Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Areas of buried weak snow in the forecast region have become unlikely to produce avalanches.  Increasing winds ahead of a storm tonight will limit wet snow instabilities.  While avalanches have become unlikely, they may not be impossible in isolated areas.  Normal caution is advised while traveling in the backcountry.

Avalanche Discussion

Normal caution

The Jan 29 buried surface hoar layer and a layer of near surface facets remain under our recent Sunday Feb 5 storm snow.  Both of these layers have showed strength gains over the last few days with no recent signs of instability or propagating test results.  Most of the recent surface hoar observations have shown that this layer has become smaller in size, has been flattened, is no longer reactive, or is not present.  The last reported avalanche activity was on last Sunday.  On a regional scale, this avalanche problem has become unlikely. 

Recent warming with mostly light winds has led to some areas of widespread roller ball and pinwheel activity on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects over the last few days.  Wet loose avalanche activity is expected to decrease today with slightly cooler temperatures and strong to gale force SW winds.

Wind scoured surfaces exist in most near and above treeline areas.  Soft winter snow can still be found on shaded northerly aspects in wind protected below treeline terrain.  Continue to look for changing conditions and any signs of instability.  Practice good travel techniques while in the backcountry by moving through avalanche terrain one at a time and regrouping in safe areas away from steep terrain.  

Recent Observations:

  • Numerous avalanches were reported and occurred last Sunday Feb 5 during or just after the recent storm.  No new avalanches have been reported since this date.
  • The layer of surface hoar buried on Jan 29 varies widely by location in both crystal size and weakness.  Areas around I-80 and north seem to have the highest chance of larger surface hoar being buried.  Observations yesterday at Yuba Pass showed this layer to be unreactive.
  • Wet surface snow exists on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects up to at least 8500'.  Sun crusts are starting to form in these areas.

Regions covered