Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. LOW danger does not mean no danger and unstable snow may still linger on isolated terrain features. Small avalanches could still occur in isolated or extreme terrain. Evaluate the terrain and snowpack while traveling in the backcountry to identify where these isolated areas of unstable snow may still exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    0

    Triggering an avalanche has become unlikely today. Unlikely does not mean impossible and some unstable snow may still exist on isolated terrain features especially in steep complex or extreme terrain including couloirs, hanging snowfields, and steep cliffy areas. Lingering cornices could also still collapse under the weight of a person, and these could become easier to break as the day warms up. Continue to pay attention to the snowpack and terrain and make observations to identify where those isolated areas of instability may linger. Practice safe backcountry travel techniques like using low angle slopes or ridgelines to approach terrain and only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain. Regroup in safe zones out of avalanche paths or runout zones. 

Avalanche Discussion

Observations yesterday on Schellenberger Ridge (near Donner Lake), Lincoln Ridge (Yuba Pass), and Incline Lake Peak (Mt. Rose backcountry) found a mix of surface snow conditions ranging from soft, cold, unconsolidated snow on sheltered northerly aspects to warmer wet snow and thin breakable crusts on sun-exposed southerly aspects to firm scoured or wind packed surfaces on exposed near and above treeline slopes. Surface hoar also had formed on some open areas in all three of these places. Snowpit tests and observations from these areas showed a "right-side-up" snowpack with less dense snow resting on top of layers of more dense snow. On Lincoln Ridge, large cornice pieces dropped onto previously wind loaded slopes and tests targeting lingering wind slabs did not result in signs of instability.

Regions covered