Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanche problems

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1

  Overall, loose wet activity should be less widespread today than yesterday due to a slightly better (albeit still weak) overnight refreeze and slightly cooler daytime temperatures. However, enough warming may still occur to allow loose wet avalanches to become possible. These could occur on any aspect and elevation where wet snow forms. They could still entrain enough snow to have serious consequences for backcountry travelers especially on steep slopes where they can run longer distances or in areas with terrain traps. 

  Maintain awareness of conditions and terrain by looking for signs of wet snow instabilities like ankle deep wet snow, roller balls, pinwheels, and small point releases. These can foreshadow larger loose wet avalanche activity. Once the snow starts to get wet it is time to move to a colder slope or call it a day. 

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1

  Some slabs of wind drifted snow may linger on leeward aspects in terrain above 8500 to 9000 ft where more snow accumulated during the last storm. These wind slabs should be more difficult to trigger today. However, human-triggered avalanches may remain possible in some areas especially in complex or extreme terrain including cliffy areas, couloirs, and unsupported slopes.

  Use clues like cornices above a slope, wind drifted snow, ripples in the snow surface, and other wind created textures to determine where wind slabs may linger.