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

Blowing snow will continue today with increasing and shifting winds.  MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline areas due to wind slabs.  Below treeline areas will have low avalanche danger. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    SW winds increased yesterday and transported snow throughout the day onto NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects.  Light snow accumulations overnight added to the available snow for transport.  Winds shifted to the NE/E around 9pm last night and will continue to increase in speed through today with gale force ridge gusts.  These increasing NE/E winds will form fresh new wind slabs on SE-S-SW-W-NW-N aspects.  Wind slabs will be possible on all aspects in near and above treeline areas.   

    Protected below treeline terrain will continue to have the best snow conditions and will also avoid the wind slab avalanche problem.  Wind scouring, blowing snow, and new cornice formation will all be occurring today in wind exposed areas.  Wind slabs that formed yesterday could get scoured today as new wind slabs form on other aspects.  Wind slabs could be hard or soft and be located near other areas that are scoured down to firm surfaces.    

Avalanche Discussion

Windy conditions with varying amounts of snow transport was reported throughout the forecast area yesterday.  A mix of small new wind slabs, old hard slabs, and wind scoured surfaces exist in near and above treeline areas.

Surface hoar was reported in a few locations.  Most reports had the surface hoar blown over or absent from the area.

Regions covered