Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Winds will increase today with blowing snow in wind exposed areas.  Small slabs of wind blown snow could form in isolated locations.  Avalanches remain unlikely throughout the forecast region.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Northeast winds will increase today with gale force ridgetop winds up to 60-80mph.  Expect to see blowing snow in wind exposed areas with additional wind scouring, even though limited snow remains available for snow transport.  Any wind slab development today is expected to be small in size and could form just below ridges, in gully features, and in downwind open areas.

    Look for where blowing snow has been accumulating.  Snow surface cracking would indicate wind slab instability.  Consequences from any small wind slabs would be from downhill exposure to rocks, cliffs, trees, and other obstacles.

    (1/12/2025)

    Near treeline terrain has been scoured and sculpted by strong winds over the last several days.  Ophir Peak, Mt. Rose area.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The recent strong to gale force winds scoured away snow from near and above treeline areas on a variety of aspects. This left behind a mix of wind-sculpted features and firm ice. If your travel plans take you into alpine terrain near exposed ridges, gullies, and open areas, expect to find variable snow surface conditions. Traveling in wind protected areas such as heavily forested slopes below treeline can help reduce exposure to today's avalanche problem. Softer, more consistent snow surface conditions linger on shaded slopes in wind protected areas.

Regions covered