Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Unstable areas of surface wet snow are expected to form as snow surface melt progresses in response to daytime warming. Overhanging snow along ridgelines (aka cornices) may collapse due to melt. Timing of travel in avalanche terrain is key to avoiding wet snow avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Fairly superficial snow surface melt and refreeze have occurred each day/night during this warm spell. Rapid warming this morning will melt through the surface crust formed last night. As daytime warming progresses, wet snow will become deeper and eventually unsupportable. Larger wet loose avalanches are possible today in locations where deeper wet snow develops. Increasing SW winds will likely limit snow surface melt on wind exposed slopes above treeline.

    Roller balls and pinwheels are indicators that it is possible to trigger a wet loose avalanche. When the wet surface snow starts to feel deep and mushy, move to lower-angle slopes without steep sunny slopes above to avoid this avalanche problem. Seek out shaded areas if you desire a firmer, more supportable snow surface.

    (3/18/2024)

    Easy to trigger wet loose instability on test slopes at the south summit of Slide Mountain. E aspect terrain at 9,650' at 11 am. Mount Rose area, NV

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Large cornices exist along ridgelines in some locations. Areas of potentially problematic, overhanging cornice are interspersed within areas where the cornices were heavily eroded by last week's NE wind event. Cornice collapses remain a concern during this first major warming event.

    Cornice collapses are difficult to pinpoint in terms of exact timing. They frequently catch backcountry travelers by surprise by breaking farther back from the edge and wider than expected. If your route takes you along a corniced ridge, keep exposed rocks or trees between you and the cornice edge. Also, be wary of traveling on slopes below cornices where large dense blocks of snow could come tumbling down from above. It's best to avoid these slopes, but if you insist on traveling below cornices, spend as little time as possible doing so.

    (3/17/2024)

    Sierra Crest between Mt. Lincoln and Anderson Peak.  Large cornices exist, interspersed within areas that were heavily eroded by last week's NE wind event.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

SW winds are increasing along the ridgetops. Little to no snow is available for transport due to several days of melt-freeze conditions on windward aspects. Problematic amounts of blowing and drifting snow are unlikely to occur until the next snowfall event.

Regions covered