Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Firm surface snow this morning will transition to wet snow as daytime warming occurs. Wet loose avalanches will become possible as deep wet snow forms and surface crusts melt away.  If the snow surface becomes deep, wet, and unsupportable, move to a different slope with less sun or move away from avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Pay attention to changing snow conditions as firm crusts this morning transition to wet snow as daytime warming occurs. If the snow surface becomes mushy and unsupportable in your area, wet loose avalanches will become possible and it's time to move away from avalanche terrain.  

    Above freezing overnight temperatures along with areas of thin high cloud cover should decrease the strength of the overnight snow surface refreeze. Radiational cooling of the snow surface should provide a superficial refreeze, but could result in a shorter window for supportable snow surface conditions and the potential for stickier/slower snow to develop earlier.  Wet loose avalanches will become possible as the snow surface crusts melt away and expose deeper wet snow. Increased late March sun angles should spread wet snow development to northerly aspects later in the day.

    Our snow has transitioned into a late spring/early summer snowpack with repeated melt-freeze cycles, previous rain, and well established free water drainage channels. This means that most wet loose avalanches will remain small in size with the potential for larger avalanches in isolated areas on bigger terrain features.  Keep in mind that even small avalanches can have increased consequences in exposed terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Profound snowmelt has occurred across all aspects and elevations during the record setting March heat wave, especially below 8000'. Large areas of bare ground and open, flowing creeks with few to no snow bridges are making the approaches to terrain difficult in many places. Areas with available snow and minimal walking are limited to the highest trailheads in our forecast region.

Northerly aspects offer better snow coverage, but obstacles like rocks, stumps, and logs have melted out on these slopes as well.

Long, sliding falls remain a hazard in areas with frozen snow surfaces.

Regions covered