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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely. Use the equipment and travel techniques associated with Normal Caution to help minimize the consequences of encountering an unexpected area of unstable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely within the forecast area. A mix of firm, sometimes icy wind scoured snow surfaces interspersed with areas of hard wind slab exist on a variety of aspects near and above treeline. Gusty ridgetop winds could make for difficult travel conditions above treeline. Below treeline holds either wind affected snow surfaces or unconsolidated recent storm snow, depending on location and degree of protection from SW and NE winds.

Avalanche Discussion

* Near surface facets exist below some of the wind slabs and recent storm snow depending on proximity to treeline and protection from wind scouring or wind loading. Snowpit data continues to identify this layer, but snowpit tests do not indicate current instability.

* On a regional scale, the greatest snow coverage exists above 8,000' along the Mount Rose Hwy and in Sierra Crest locations north of Emerald Bay. Overall less snow cover exists south of Emerald Bay, but is generally usable above 8,500'. Area wide, northerly aspects hold significantly more snow cover than southerly aspects.

Regions covered