Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger exists above treeline and near treeline due to an overnight wind shift to the ENE that has likely drifted snow and formed new wind slabs. LOW avalanche danger continues for wind protected areas below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Conditions changed overnight with a wind shift to ENE. Snow on the ground has likely been scoured and drifted into new wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain. The vast majority of wind slabs are now expected on SE-S-SW-W-NW-N aspects. Avalanche size up to D2 is possible.

    Wind slabs will not necessarily exist in the usual palaces today. Look closely for signs of where the most recent drifting has occurred. It is different from what occurred over the past two days under SW wind conditions. Identify clues such as blowing snow, wind scouring along ridges, snow surface patterns indicative of scouring vs deposition, new wind pillows, and shooting cracks as indicators of wind slab development. Use these clues to identify where problematic wind slabs may exist and communicate within your group on how best to manage the combination of terrain and this avalanche problem.

Avalanche Discussion

* At sunrise on Dec 24, 4 to 12 inches of snow existed along ridgetop areas available for transport by SW winds.

* Winds increased from the SW by late morning on Dec 24 and blowing/drifting snow was reported.

* SW winds decreased on Dec 25, shifted to the ENE in the evening and became strong overnight.

Regions covered