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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Highlights

Low avalanche danger will exist this morning.  As daytime warming occurs, avalanche danger will quickly rise to Moderate due to a loose wet avalanche problem at all elevations.  Look for signs of instability and avoid slopes that have unsupportable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Mostly clear overnight skies but with warmer temperatures than the previous night should create a partial refreeze of the snow surface.  Daytime temperatures are forecasted to be 10 to 15 degrees above average in the high 50's to low 60' above 7000'.  Loose wet activity will become possible as rapid warming and intense sunshine occur on all aspects and elevations.  If SW winds increase this afternoon, they could help to limit the extent of loose wet activity at higher elevations.

    Look for clues like roller balls, rapid warming, pinwheels, and deep unsupportable snow-these may indicate that larger loose wet avalanches are becoming more likely.  Terrain traps can increase the consequences of small loose wet activity.    

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received from Slide Mountain (Mt. Rose area) and Negro Canyon (Donner Summit area).  Both areas reported good overnight refreezes of the snow surface with thick melt freeze crusts.  These melt freeze crusts were ski supportable well into the mid day hours with good spring snow conditions.  No recent loose wet activity was reported from either area.

Regions covered