Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

LOW avalanche danger this morning will increase to MODERATE avalanche danger as areas of unstable wet snow develop.  A loose wet avalanche problem will become possible at all elevations on sun exposed slopes as rapid warming occurs today.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Slightly warmer overnight temperatures with mostly clear overnight skies should provide another decent to good refreeze of the snow surface.  Established melt freeze crusts in many areas should allow for supportable travel conditions during the morning hours.  Once these crusts start to break down and become deep, wet, and unsupportable, loose wet avalanches will become possible on these sun exposed slopes.  Strong SW winds forecasted for this afternoon could delay or prohibit some softening of the snow surface in wind exposed locations.

    Monitor snow surface softening while in the backcountry.  Once the snow becomes deep and wet, it's time to change aspects or move to lower angle terrain.  Even small loose wet avalanches can have increased consequences where terrain traps or downhill hazards exist.

Avalanche Discussion

* A strong overnight refreeze of the snow surface was observed in the Carson Pass and Mt. Rose areas yesterday with well established melt freeze crusts. 

* Spring melt freeze conditions are well established on most E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations. 

* NW-N-NE aspects still remain transitional with in between winter-like snow and spring melt freeze conditions, especially at higher elevations.

Regions covered