Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Most avalanche activity should remain limited today since there is only a small amount of snow that the winds can blow around. Use good backcountry travel habits, and be willing to change plans if you see something different than expected.

The avalanche danger will increase this evening and tonight as a winter storm impacts the area. If the storm arrives earlier than expected, the avalanche danger will increase sooner than expected.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2

    Despite the strong SW winds today, blowing snow should remain limited due to the refrozen and previously scoured snow surfaces that exist in many exposed places.  Once it starts snowing this afternoon, the winds will start to pile snow onto slopes near ridges, in gullies, and on open wind-exposed slopes. Any new wind slabs that form today should remain small since only a couple of inches of new snow is expected this afternoon. If more snow falls than expected today, larger wind slabs will become a problem earlier than expected. 

    As the storm intensifies this evening and tonight, unstable wind slabs will quickly grow in size and extent. The avalanche danger will increase dramatically overnight, and some natural avalanches could occur during the night.

    Watch for changing conditions and adjust your plans if the observed conditions don't match expectations today. If you see blowing snow or wind slabs forming, move around those areas cautiously.

    (2/10/2024)

    An example of blowing snow across the ridgetops. If you see this today, watch out for wind slabs where the blowing snow piles up.

    Photo: Travis Feist

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