Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Another round of snow surface melt leading to the possibility of loose wet avalanches is expected today. MODERATE avalanche danger will develop today at all elevations as daytime warming and snow surface melt progresses.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A loose wet avalanche problem is expected to develop again today at all elevations mainly on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. Avalanche size is expected mainly at D1 with an isolated D2 not impossible. When more than a couple of inches of surface wet snow is present, anticipate loose wet avalanches. Avoidance of this avalanche problem can be accomplished by the following: 1) The use of timing travel prior to excessive snow surface melt. 2) Utilizing lower angle slopes without steeper slopes above. 3) Selecting aspects without direct sun exposure when necessary.

    Conditions last night were conducive to snow surface refreeze. Slower melt rates are expected today from increasing SW winds creating convective cooling of the snow surface and maximum daytime air temperatures about 5 degrees cooler than yesterday. That said, wind protected slopes with exposed rocks and direct sun exposure will still warm quickly today. While the vast majority of loose wet avalanches today are expected to be fairly small, consequences can be greatly increased by downslope hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, or terrain traps.

     Loose wet avalanche from yesterday afternoon on a SW aspect of Castle Peak (Donner Summit area).

Avalanche Discussion

* A loose wet avalanche, possibly large enough to bury a person was reported yesterday afternoon on a SW aspect of Castle Peak (Donner Summit area). This avalanche appears to have been skier or snowboarder triggered. This is the largest loose wet avalanche reported from the current warming cycle at size D1.5 to D2.

* Several small (size D1) loose wet avalanches have been reported from areas of direct sun exposure over the past two days.

* Little to no snow is available today for drifting by the increasing SW winds.

Regions covered