Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A solid overnight refreeze of the snow surface is expected with cold temperatures and clear skies.  Continued strong NE winds should limit the amount of wet snow instabilities that form today.  Sun exposed slopes in wind protected areas will have the most wet surface snow develop.  Move to a different aspect or to less steep terrain if you encounter areas of deeper wet snow.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    A strong refreeze of the snow surface occurred overnight with cold temperatures and clear skies.  Gale force NE ridgetop winds should limit most wet snow instabilities from forming today.  Sun exposed slopes with wind protection at mid to lower elevations are expected to have the most wet surface snow develop as gradual daytime warming occurs.  If you encounter any areas with deep or unsupportable wet snow, move to less steep slopes or to another aspect.  

    Shaded aspects and slopes exposed to NE winds will remain firm today with potentially challenging travel conditions.  Sun exposed slopes around rock outcrops, cliffs, or gully features may experience increased snow surface melt, especially at lower elevations.  Any roller balls or pinwheels will be an indication that the snow surface is losing strength and that isolated wet loose avalanches could occur. 

Avalanche Discussion

The recent rain and warm weather have melted a significant amount of snow on all aspects below 7,500' and on southerly aspects at all elevations. Some locations now exhibit large swaths of bare ground. In areas with more snow cover, deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water exist in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'.

Regions covered