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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Areas of minor wet snow instability are expected to form in response to daytime warming. Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Another round of minimal wet snow instability is expected today. The vast majority of wet snow concerns will occur on SE-S-SW aspects with lesser concerns on other aspects. In areas of full sun exposure, shallow areas of full depth wet snow are expected near exposed bushes and rock outcroppings. Roller balls and very small isolated loose wet instabilities will be possible again today in steep terrain. Use slope angle to mitigate avalanche concerns in areas of marginally supportable to unsupportable wet snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Relay Peak (Mount Rose area) and near Elephant's Back (Carson Pass area) continued to show significant snow surface melt on southerly aspects. By mid day, wet snow had become marginally skier supportable in the 8,500' to 10,000' range. Full depth wet snow was noted around areas of exposed rocks and vegetation. On northerly aspects and high elevation east aspects (10,000'), evidence of recent faceting was noted in the upper snowpack with minimal amounts of recent snow surface melt. Air temperatures have been warm, but low January sun angles have greatly limited its effects in shaded areas.

Regions covered