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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger continues today for all elevations. Avalanche danger will increase significantly tomorrow at all elevations following the onset of new snowfall.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Use the normal caution ideas today: carry proper companion rescue gear, communicate within your group a plan for managing avalanche terrain, and expose only one person at a time to avalanche terrain. Variable snow surface conditions may increase the likelihood of a fall or crash today. Discuss within your group how in some cases, a medical response for a hurt person within your group may be more likely to occur than dealing with an avalanche burial. Create a travel plan that addresses both of these concerns.

Avalanche Discussion

* Recent observations from along the Sierra Crest indicate questionable ability for the upper snowpack layers consisting of weak facets and thin crusts to support new snow loading.

* The snowpack in the Mt. Rose area (Carson Range) lacks these crusts and appears in decent condition to handle new snow loading. Shallower, weaker snow has been noted further south along the Carson Range closer to Freel and Jobs Peaks.

* Recent gale force NE wind and warming events have left behind variable snow surface conditions including firm wind packed, firm wind scoured, exposed ice, melt freeze crust, and pockets of soft unconsolidated snow. In many locations, these different conditions exist in close proximity to one another.

Regions covered