Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Gale force winds and clouds are expected to create a cold and blustery day in the mountains.  Wind transported snow will make a wind slab avalanche problem possible in near and above treeline areas.  MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline areas with LOW avalanche danger in below treeline areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Continued elevated winds with additional snow will make wind slab avalanches possible in near and above treeline areas.  SW winds yesterday shifted to the NE overnight and increased in speed to gale force and could gust as high as 100mph over the higher ridges and peaks today.  Recent wind shifts and plenty of soft available snow for wind transport will make wind slab avalanches possible on all aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Wind scoured surfaces will exist near existing wind slabs while blowing snow will be creating additional new wind slabs today.  

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, wind pillows, and textured snow surfaces to identify specific areas where unstable wind slabs may exist.  Use caution near steep wind loaded terrain and around newly formed cornices.  Wind protected below treeline terrain should offer better soft snow conditions that avoids the wind slab avalanche problem.  

Avalanche Discussion

* Areas of blowing snow were observed over the last 2 days along ridgelines under NE and SW wind conditions.

* A light rain/mist event occured yesterday in the Mt. Rose area up to at least 8900' midday.  The snow surface was wetted with reports of some small loose wet instabilities.

 

Regions covered