Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Areas of blowing and drifting snow are expected to continue today near ridgetops. Localized areas of unstable snow are possible where wind drifted snow has deposited as a slab. Identify the areas of greatest concern where wind drifted snow has recently accumulated and move around those areas with caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Ridgetop winds strong enough to create blowing and drifting snow shifted from SW to ENE Saturday night with an expected shift back to SW this morning. Near treeline and above treeline terrain has become a patchwork of wind scoured and wind loaded areas. Localized interactions between shifting wind and terrain will make it possible to encounter a wind slab on just about any aspect today.

    The most likely locations to encounter unstable wind slabs today are on slopes where the wind is actively drifting and depositing snow.  Similar aspect slopes, some scoured and some wind loaded could exist in relatively close proximity to one another. Expect a high degree of variability. Evaluate slopes individually and account for changes in slab depth as drifting continues throughout the day. Treat any slopes where wind drifted snow is depositing with caution.

Avalanche Discussion

 

  • A period of light winds and clear skies last night may have allowed for surface hoar to form on the snow surface. If you see areas of surface hoar near or in avalanche terrain today please submit a photo with location info. If surface hoar is buried by tonight's snowfall, it may become a problematic weak layer.
  • No new avalanches were reported yesterday.
  • No additional reports of storm slab instability were received yesterday.
  • Recent winds have scoured away the recent storm snow and exposed a firm icy rain crust in a variety of near treeline and above treeline areas, especially below 9,000'.

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