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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago.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 continues across the forecast area for today at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  Avalanche danger is expected to increase tomorrow as a significant winter storm moves into our area. An avalanche watch has been issued to reflect this expected increase in avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    0

    Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast region.  Continue to keep a lookout for areas where strong dense snow is over less dense and weaker snow.  These areas may be found in complex terrain or in cross loaded gully features.  Minimize risk by traveling one at a time through avalanche terrain.  Regroup in safe areas away from runout zones, practice effective communication within your group, and have a travel plan.  Firm rain crusts are present in wind scoured areas that may pose travel difficulties and potential fall hazards.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received yesterday from Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) and Incline Lake Peak (Mt. Rose area).  Both areas had a variety of snow surface crusts with soft snow in wind protected areas.  On Castle Peak in the 8500' to 8900' range, near surface facets and near crust facets were present in all areas where recent storm snow sat on top of the 12/15 rain crust.  This facet combination did not present a current problem but did show some indication that future snow loading could become an issue.  This observation matches well with other recent observations showing faceting is most prevalent in wind protected, shaded areas from 8000 to 9500' throughout the forecast area.  Firm rain crusts were encountered in wind scoured and exposed locations.   

Regions covered