Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of surface wet snow will form today on sun exposed slopes. More surface wet snow is expected today than yesterday with wet loose snow avalanche problems expected to remain minimal. LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    The snowpack on sun exposed slopes is frozen firm again this morning following below freezing air temperatures and clear skies last night. Areas of surface wet snow will form again today in response to daytime warming.  SW winds will slow snow surface melt on wind exposed slopes. Snow surface melt will occur faster in wind protected areas. Wet loose snow avalanches are expected to remain minimal today and unlikely to exceed size D1.

    Areas of direct sun exposure on wind protected slopes around exposed rocks and cliff bands will develop the greatest amounts of surface wet snow today. Exercise caution in avalanche terrain on any slopes where surface wet snow is more than a couple of inches deep. Divert to sub 30 degree slopes without steeper terrain above if the supportable crust below the surface wet snow melts away.

Avalanche Discussion

* Diurnal melt-freeze conditions are affecting the snow surface on slopes with direct sun exposure and in some cases indirect sun exposure.

* Lingering pockets of unconsolidated surface snow that have yet to undergo melt exist on well shaded and wind protected N aspects, but are becoming increasingly disconnected. Minimal faceting in the upper snowpack has been noted in these areas.

* Exposed rain crusts, melt-freeze crusts, and firm wind scoured surfaces are widespread across the forecast area and can be encountered on any aspect.

Regions covered