Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger exist near treeline and above treeline due to recently formed wind slabs. Below treeline, avalanche danger is LOW. Avalanche danger is expected to increase on Saturday at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slab avalanches large enough to bury a person remain possible due to recent new snow and SW to W winds. The vast majority of wind slabs will be found near treeline and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Wind slabs will exist to a lesser degree on other aspects and in isolated wind exposed areas below treeline. A person traveling a wind loaded slope or cornice fall are the most likely triggers for avalanches today.

    Exercise caution in areas with signs of recently wind drifted snow, especially adjacent to or below cornices, wind pillows, or wind textured snow surfaces.

Avalanche Discussion

* A small (size D1) snowboarder triggered (intentional) wind slab avalanche occurred yesterday on the East Ridge of Relay Peak (Mount Rose area) near treeline on a NE aspect, 32 degree slope.

* A small (size D1) skier triggered storm slab avalanche occurred yesterday on Andesite Peak (Donner Summit area) at treeline on a NE aspect, 40 degree slope.

* Observations made and received yesterday from Castle Peak (Donner Summit area), Forestdale Divide (South side Carson Pass area), and Tamarack Peak (Mount Rose area) revealed moderate to high intensity wind loading near and above treeline. On Castle Peak, cornices were building rapidly and collapsed easily. Minor cracking was observed around the edges of wind slabs. On Tamarack Peak, minor snow surface cracking was reported below treeline.

* Shallow snow cover remains in some areas. The deepest snowpack exists along the Sierra Crest above 7,500'.

Regions covered