Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wet loose avalanches will become possible today on steep slopes as daytime warming occurs.  Move away from avalanche terrain if the snow surface becomes deep and wet.  The last forecast for this season will post on Saturday April 19th. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Cooler temperatures overnight, mostly clear skies, and northeast winds will provide an improved snow surface refreeze this morning with a larger window for supportable snow surface conditions.  Areas with above freezing temperatures will have thinner surface crusts due to radiational cooling from clear skies overnight.  Northeast/east winds today should limit or delay snow surface melt where direct wind exposure is occuring keeping some slopes firm this morning.  Once out of the wind or off the ridge, rapid warming on sun exposed slopes will melt through these surface crusts as daytime warming occurs exposing deeper wet snow below.

    Monitor changing snow surface conditions as the day warms up.   For travel in avalanche terrain, getting an early start and finishing early is the best plan.  Wet loose avalanches and cornice collapses will become possible as daytime warming occurs.  Once the snow feels wet and unsupportable, it's time to move away from avalanche terrain onto less steep slopes.

    (4/9/2025)

    Previous wet loose activity and cornice collapses.  East Face,  Mt. Judah.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

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