Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Cooler weather and some cloud cover should make avalanche activity unlikely this morning. In areas that see sunshine or rain on snow this afternoon, some loose wet avalanches may become possible. The avalanche danger is LOW this morning and may increase to MODERATE this afternoon below 8000 ft. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Last night's refreeze was either weak or non-existent in most places due to partly cloudy skies and near or above freezing temperatures. While cooler weather and some cloud cover should work to limit the amount of wet snow that forms today, it will not take much warming to melt through the thin surface crust and expose wet snow leftover from yesterday. By this afternoon the weather forecast provides two possible ways for this warming to happen: periods of sunshine in some areas or light rain showers below 8000 ft in other areas. If either of these things happens, it may be possible for some loose wet avalanches to occur on steep sunny slopes or on slopes where rain falls on the snow. Above 8000 ft. loose avalanche activity should remain unlikely. 

    Expect variable conditions including wet snow, firm surfaces breakable crusts, and scoured surfaces in the backcountry today. These conditions could change quickly with either sun or rain, so stay alert and remain flexible with your travel plans. Avalanches do not represent the only hazards and these variable conditions could present other travel challenges. 

Avalanche Discussion

Observers reported a weak refreeze on Red Lake Peak, Echo Peak, and Relay Peak yesterday. Ankle to skin-deep wet snow and natural and human-triggered roller balls and pinwheels started to occur between 9 and 10 am in these areas.  

A larger loose wet avalanche had occurred recently (likely April 10) in the NE bowl of Angora Peak.

Snowpit tests near the slab avalanche on Relay Peak from April 8 did not show any lingering signs of instability. 

Variable snow conditions ranging from punchy to warm and wet to breakable crusts to wind-scoured surfaces existed in the backcountry. 

Regions covered