Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche today in places where locally deeper, cohesive slabs made up of new and wind drifted snow have formed along the down wind side of ridgetops and in gully features. You could also trigger a dry loose avalanche in steep wind protected terrain. Identify the likely locations of unstable snow and move around these areas with caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Backcountry travelers could trigger dry loose avalanches today in steep wind protected areas. Some areas have graupel mixed in with the new snow. Where this is the case, some shallow storm slab behavior such as snow surface cracking is possible. Any dry loose or storm slab avalanches today are expected to remain mostly small in size, but could carry a backcountry traveler into or over down slope hazards such as rocks, trees, terrain traps, or over cliffs. If venturing into steep terrain, make terrain selections that will have minimal consequences if pushed or carried into or over down slope hazards.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Southwest winds increased late yesterday afternoon and continued last night. New snow has drifted, filled in, and formed locally deeper slabs of cohesive snow in near and above treeline areas.  You are most likely to encounter an unstable wind slab on open slopes or in gullies that are below or adjacent to cornice features.

    Use clues such as blowing snow, wind drifts, new cornice formation, and snow surface texture to determine where wind slabs have formed.  Snow surface cracking or dense snow over less dense snow could indicate unstable wind slab conditions.  Identify areas of concern such as steep wind loaded slopes or areas below cornice features. Move around these areas with caution. 

    (2/19/2025)

    Example of large corniced ridgeline with previous wind slab avalanche.  Yuba Pass area.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

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