Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Watch for areas of unstable wind drifted snow near and below ridgelines created by the new snow and wind over the past 24 hours. Slopes below cornice features, near newly formed wind drifts, or where snow surface cracking is occurring are suspect. Move around these areas with caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong SW winds have drifted new snowfall forming wind slabs near and below ridgelines. Wind slabs will be most prevalent above treeline and near treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects. As the wind shifts from the SW towards more W to NW today, redistribution of new snow on the ground may occur. This may drift additional snow onto NE-E-SE-S aspects. 

    Use clues such as visible blowing snow, new cornice formations, newly formed wind drifts, snow surface texture, and snow surface cracking to identify areas where wind drifted snow has deposited and slabs of unstable snow may exist. Move around these areas with caution.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Snowmelt on SE-S-SW aspects has exposed bare ground in many areas, limiting over snow travel options on these aspects.
  • The old near surface facet layer that was buried on Feb 14 following the prolonged Jan/Feb dry spell has become less of a concern over the past week. In many locations, the moisture content and strength of this layer have increased. Any areas where this layer remains drier and weaker with the ability to collapse and propagate will be extremely isolated across the forecast area if they exist at all.

Regions covered