Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is low for all aspects and elevations.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.  Normal caution is advised today-use basic travel techniques to minimize risk.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    A couple additional inches of snow fell across the forecast area over the last 24 hours.  SW winds shifted to the NE yesterday and were in the moderate to strong range making snow transport possible onto SE-S-SW-W aspects.  Any wind slab development in these areas are expected to be small and limited to exposed ridgelines and peaks.  The amount of snow available for transport is limited to the new snow we just received as most wind prone N-NE-E aspects were already scoured by our last, much larger, NE wind event this past weekend.

    Normal caution means exercising basic travel techniques.  Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain, regroup in safe spots out of the avalanche path, avoid travel near terrain traps, and practice good communication within your group.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Observations over the last couple days show a uniform layered snowpack developing throughout the forecast area.  Up to 2'' of new snow was reported yesterday on Trimmer Peak throughout the day.  In protected terrain near treeline and below, this new snow sits on around 1' of unconsolidated surface snow.  In more exposed, wind prone areas that have seen scouring from the recent NE winds over this past weekend, this snow sits on firmer wind compacted snow or the 12/24 rain crust.  No wind transport was observed yesterday on Trimmer Peak with snowpack tests and informal observations showing no signs of instabilities. 

Regions covered