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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago.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 aspects and elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.  Early season conditions exist with low snow coverage and many obstacles present.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Expect more wet surface snow with near freezing temperatures overnight and increased daytime temperatures throughout today.  This will cause an increase in surface roller ball activity but should be limited in size and mostly in the areas that received new snow on Sunday.  These roller balls should not cause a problem for backcountry users unless exposed above cliffs or other terrain traps.  Skies cleared overnight in some locations which allowed the snowpack to marginally refreeze and form thin snow surface crusts.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent observations throughout the forecast area mostly point to a strengthening snowpack.  With a few exceptions, the isolated basal facets have become harder to find in their original form.  In most areas this layer is consolidating and becoming more cohesive.  There are still some isolated pockets where you can find loose, faceted snow on mostly protected north aspects at or below treeline. 

Observations from Polaris Point (Ward Canyon) showed a well consolidated snowpack with wet surface snow.  The overall snowpack depth in this area is shallow at around 16'' of snow in open areas at 7600'.  Small natural roller balls were occurring in the late morning hours off of the rocks of Polaris Point with larger skier triggered roller balls occurring while descending.  The basal facets that were previously in this area are now well rounded and consolidated snow.  Snowpack tests showed no layers of concern.

Mist to light rain was reported in many locations yesterday.

Regions covered