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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated pockets of instability may linger in complex or extreme terrain. Normal caution such as one at a time travel and avoiding grouping up while in or below avalanche terrain is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Generally stable snowpack conditions exist with no specific avalanche problems. The snowpack structure varies greatly from one location and aspect to another. In areas where the snowpack is 1 to 2+ feet deep, a structure of slab over relatively weaker snow below is often found. The relatively weaker snow below in most cases is gaining strength. What was once basal facets and buried near surface facets have metamorphosed into rounded grains in most locations. Spacial variability exists and some isolated exceptions have been noted where weaker snow below the slab remains colder and more faceted.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent observations from the Carson Pass, Donner Summit, and Mount Rose areas show a wide spectrum of snow surface conditions. Recent warm air temperatures have caused melt in sun exposed areas. Bare ground has reemerged on numerous SE-S-SW aspects. Above treeline, wind scouring has also left behind a very shallow snowpack and areas of bare ground. On the wind protected NW-N-NE-E aspects, mixed conditions are found consisting of melt-freeze snow, breakable crust, and pockets of cold unconsolidated surface snow in the form of poorly developed near surface facets.

Regions covered