Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Wet snow may form more slowly today due to a few clouds and some wind. Still warm weather and periods of strong sun may produce enough wet, mushy snow for avalanches of wet loose snow on steep slopes. If the snow starts to feel unsupportable, mushy, or you start sinking into boot-top-deep wet snow, it's time to move away from avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Pay attention to the conditions as the snow changes during the day. If it becomes wet or unsupportable, consider moving away from avalanche terrain. Small wet snow sluffs, sinking into boot-top-deep wet snow, roller balls, and pinwheels can indicate that larger, wet, loose avalanches may soon occur. 

    Last night's refreeze likely varied by location, with stronger refreezes in areas with clearer skies and colder temperatures, and weaker refreezes in areas with warmer temperatures and clouds. Today, warm weather and periods of sun will work to melt the refreeze, allowing wet snow to form on slopes. Slopes that get the most sun today will also develop the most wet snow. Some cloud cover and wind may slow down the melt process, but enough wet snow could still develop that avalanches of wet loose snow could become possible on steep slopes as the day warms up. If wet loose avalanches do occur, many may be small, but some might be large, especially on long, steep slopes, where they could entrain more snow as they slide downhill. Clouds over some areas may spread warmth to a few northerly aspects, softening the surface snow there as well.

Avalanche Discussion

Significant melting has occurred on all aspects below 7,500' and on southerly aspects at all elevations, and many areas now only have patchy snow coverage with large areas of exposed ground. This melting will continue, exposing more obstacles and bare ground. Shady aspects still have better coverage, but they also hold firm and bumpy snow surfaces, making travel more challenging and increasing the possibility of long sliding falls. Open holes, creeks, and ponded water also exist in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'.

Regions covered