Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger exist on near and above treeline SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects loaded by the NE winds on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to the presence of newly formed wind slabs. Areas south and east of Lake Tahoe where the most new snow fell represent the most likely places to find MODERATE avalanche danger. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches are possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong northeast winds and new snow have deposited new wind slabs on some of the SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects. Human triggered avalanches involving these wind slabs will be possible today. The largest of these wind slabs will exist in areas south and east of Lake Tahoe where the most snow fell, and in these areas wind slabs could reach 1 to 2 ft. in depth on the most heavily wind loaded slopes. In most other areas where less snow fell these slabs should remain relatively small, and should not extend very far down slope. The most fragile wind slabs will exist on wind loaded slopes in near and above treeline terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday observations from Castle Peak and Incline Lake Peak showed variable surface conditions ranging from scoured icy surfaces on exposed near and above treeline slopes to unconsolidated snow on top of crusts on sheltered northerly aspects. In both areas snowpit data continues to hint at a weak layer forming just below the rain crust. In the Incline Lake Peak area the rain crust seems to be eroding and the burgeoning weak layer seemed more well developed. Below the rain crust data indicates a strong snowpack.

Regions covered