Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Considerable avalanche danger will exist today in near treeline and above treeline terrain due to wind slab avalanches.  Moderate avalanche danger will exist in all other areas.  Natural avalanches are possible with human triggered avalanches likely.  Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    New wind slabs have formed overnight on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  In some areas, just under 1' of new snow fell overnight with strong to gale force SW winds.  Natural triggered avalanches will be possible and human triggered avalanches will be likely in wind loaded areas.  These avalanches could be large enough to injure or bury a backcountry user-size D2.  Winds are forecasted to shift to the NW today and be in the moderate to strong range with additional snow possible.  Wind slabs will continue to build through today and remain sensitive to triggering.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows.  Areas that received the most storm snow will have the largest wind slab potential.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain and run out zones below wind loaded terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations from Chickadee Ridge (Mt. Rose backcountry) and Rubicon Peak (West Shore area) showed minor isolated, inconsequential wind slabs on some leeward slopes near ridgelines. Snow surfaces ranged from firm crusts in wind and/or sun exposed areas to soft snow in shaded wind protected areas. Snowpit data from these areas indicated a well-consolidated snowpack below the surface. This data is consistent with other observations across the forecast area in the last several days.

* Thin snow cover conditions exist throughout the forecast area on all aspects at lower elevations. Thin snow cover or bare ground exists on most sun-exposed aspects at all elevations with a few notable exceptions.

Regions covered