Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Areas of surface wet snow will form today on sun exposed slopes with minimal wet loose snow avalanche problems expected. LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    The snowpack on sun exposed slopes is frozen firm this morning following well below freezing air temperatures last night and little to no snow surface melt yesterday. Areas of wet surface snow will form today in response to daytime warming and decreasing winds.  Wet loose snow avalanches are expected to remain minimal today and unlikely to exceed size D1.

    Areas of direct sun exposure around exposed rocks and cliff bands will develop the greatest amounts of surface wet snow today. Exercise caution in avalanche terrain on any slopes where surface wet snow is more than a couple of inches deep. Divert to sub 30 degree slopes without steeper terrain above if the supportable crust below the surface wet snow melts away.

Avalanche Discussion

* Lingering pockets of unconsolidated surface snow that have yet to undergo melt exist on well shaded and wind protected N aspects, but are becoming increasingly disconnected. Minimal faceting in the upper snowpack has been noted in these areas.

* Rain crusts, melt-freeze crusts, and firm wind scoured surfaces are widespread across the forecast area and can be encountered on any aspect.

Regions covered