Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Snow surface melt could allow for small areas of loose wet instabilities to form during the afternoon hours on slopes with direct sun exposure, wind protection, and minimal cloud cover. Areas of very firm snow surfaces exist with a potential sliding fall hazard. LOW avalanche danger exists with normal caution advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Air temperatures well below freezing last night are expected to have created a strong snow surface refreeze. Daytime warming will lead to snow surface melt today during the late morning and afternoon hours. How much melt occurs will vary slope by slope and be dependent on cloud cover and wind exposure. In areas with direct sun exposure, wind protection, and minimal cloud cover, minor loose wet instabilities may form this afternoon.

    There are lots of areas with firm snow surfaces out there and sliding falls leading to impacts with rocks or trees remain a concern. Plan accordingly in terms of terrain, route selection, group ability, and equipment.

Avalanche Discussion

* Diurnal melt-freeze conditions continue on sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.

* Highly variable snow surface conditions exist on NW-N-NE aspects. Mostly firm conditions exist near and above treeline. A mix of breakable to supportable crust with pockets of softer faceted surface snow exist in below treeline areas with NE wind protection.

Regions covered