Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Wind slab avalanches remain possible today in above treeline and near treeline terrain where recent winds have drifted snow and deposited slabs in lee areas. Ridgetop winds were out of the SW during the storm and then shifted to the NE Saturday as skies cleared. Periods of moderate to strong NE winds occurred last night and the night before. Recent new snow on the ground has been blown around and redistributed. Expect to encounter a patchwork of wind scoured and wind loaded areas again today.  Areas of exposed, firm rain crust may exist adjacent to 1 to 2 foot thick wind slabs.

  Use clues such as recent avalanches, cornices, wind drifts, and snow surface texture to identify where drifting snow has deposited as wind slabs. Move around these areas with caution.

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  As air temperatures climb well above freezing today, warming and melt of recent new snow will make loose wet avalanches possible. This is most likely to occur on steep sun exposed slopes, especially near exposed rocks and cliffbands.

  Roller balls are the precursor to loose wet avalanches. Exercise caution on steep sun exposed slopes where roller balls are present. Terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs below can greatly magnify the consequences of becoming caught in a small avalanche. Avoid exposure to downslope hazards in areas where signs of loose wet instability are present.