Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will be Low during the early morning hours.  As daytime warming occurs, Moderate avalanche danger could become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to loose wet avalanches.  Small wind slabs may form on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects near and above treeline due to recent N-NE winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    E-SE-S-SW-W aspects are slowly transitioning from recent storm snow towards future melt freeze conditions.  On most solar aspects by midday, there are 3-4'' of wet surface snow on top of colder more winter like snow below.  Until an established melt freeze crust is formed, loose wet avalanches will be possible.  Most of these loose wet avalanches will be in the form of human triggered roller balls or pinwheels.  Although as temperatures continue to warm throughout the week and winds decrease, larger loose wet avalanches could become possible.

    Use quick hand pits to identify surface wet snow on top of colder recent storm snow that has yet to undergo melt freeze.  Avoid solar aspects steeper than 35 degrees once the snow surface has more than a few inches of wet snow on top of the transitional recent storm snow.  Current roller balls and pinwheels indicate that the snow surface is loosing strength and that loose wet avalanches are possible.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Moderate N-NE winds overnight with continuing winds throughout today could create small wind slabs on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects near and above treeline.  These wind slabs are expected to be small in size and limited to the most efficient wind loading locations near peaks and ridges above 8000'.  Look for areas of active wind loading and signs of previous wind loading.  These small wind slabs could be most problematic in steep, complex terrain.  

Avalanche Discussion

Observations from Armstrong Pass (Luther Pass area) and Meiss Meadow (Carson Pass area) showed similar snowpack conditions.  Unconsolidated soft snow exists on shaded north aspects in wind protected areas.  In wind exposed areas a mix of wind scoured crusts, supportable wind board and breakable crusts existed.  Solar aspects by mid day are transitioning with 3-4'' of wet snow on top of colder recent storm snow.  Small roller balls could be skier triggered on South aspects below 8800' by mid day at Meiss Meadow.  The N-NE winds were keeping both locations cool at the higher elevations with minimal loose wet activity observed.  

Regions covered