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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects.

Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs that formed on a variety of aspects near and above treeline earlier this week have had some time to gain strength. Triggering an avalanche is currently unlikely, but not impossible. Areas of complex or extreme terrain where slab thickness varies greatly represent the areas where triggering a lingering unstable wind slab remains most likely. Examples of such terrain include couloirs, gullies, cliffbands, and unsupported slopes. Evidence of instability will likely be challenging to find in the backcountry today. Continue to employ accepted best practice travel techniques to limit individual exposure to avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent observations from around the forecast area revealed areas of blowing snow Dec 30-31. Significant amounts of wind transport were noted, but associated wind slab formation was not particularly large. Above treeline terrain holds well defined areas of NE wind deposited snow and NE wind scoured rain crust. Near treeline areas hold a mix of scouring and deposit that can be found on all aspects. In wind protected areas below treeline, a few inches of unconsolidated recent storm snow remain at the snow surface. A developing layer of near crust facets that exists below and in some cases above the uppermost rain crust in the snowpack remains worth monitoring for future instability concerns.

Regions covered