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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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger will remain LOW in most places today since snow accumulations remained light. Some pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger may exist on wind loaded NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects 35 degrees and steeper in near and above treeline terrain in areas that received the most new snow. Small human triggered wind slabs may be possible in these areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Small human triggered wind slabs will be possible today on some wind loaded and cross loaded NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain. Since snow fall amounts remained relatively small, most of the wind slabs that have formed should also remain relatively small and not extend very far down slope. In some of the more heavily wind loaded areas where the most new snow fell wind slabs around a foot in depth may exist. Wind loaded slopes near ridge lines along the Sierra Crest north of Hwy 50 represent the best places to find the largest winds slabs. Even though most wind slab activity expect today should not involve enough snow to  bury a person, small avalanches can still be problematic in the right terrain. Areas like wind loaded slopes above cliffs, gullies, and other terrain traps can magnify the consequences of any size avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday observations on Chickadee Ridge showed a mix of frozen surfaces on northerly aspects and a few inches of soft wet corn snow on E-SE-S-SW aspects. Regardless of the surface conditions, the underlying snowpack remained strong and well bonded. Data from this area yesterday as well as many other areas around the forecast area during the last week indicates that the current snow pack should be able to handle new loading well.

Regions covered