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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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger exists from the start today due to poor conditions for snow surface refreeze last night. A loose wet avalanche problem is expected at all elevations today.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Snow surface refreeze last night is expected to be weak to nonexistent. Air temperatures were above freezing last night at all locations. Cloud cover is expected to have minimized any refreeze effects from radiational cooling. A loose wet avalanche problem is expected to exist nearly all day today on all aspects at all elevations. The expected rain on snow below 9,000' today will further fuel this avalanche problem. Avalanche size is expected mostly at D1 with up to size D2 possible.

    Don't expect a good window for travel in steep avalanche terrain today. Plan a route that provides options for travel on lower angle slopes. When deep or unsupportable wet snow is encountered, exercise the lower angle route options in order to minimize exposure to the loose wet avalanche hazard.

Avalanche Discussion

* Several nights in a row of weak snow surface refreezes have occurred with the addition of cloud cover last night.

* Loose wet avalanche conditions have existed daily.

* Snowpack instability is expected to occur near the surface with the deeper snowpack generally well consolidated.

Regions covered