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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Some minor amounts of drifting snow may occur but avalanches remain unlikely. Normal caution is advised. LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Even though ridgetop winds are increasing, only minor amounts of blowing and drifting snow are expected at best. Any areas where drifting snow is deposited are expected to be too small to create problematic wind slabs. The exception is maybe in extreme terrain where a tiny wind slab knocks you off your feet and results in a tumble into the rocks.

    The more realistic hazard today is the shallow snowpack which has an increasing number of rocks, logs, and other obstacles emerging from or residing just below the snow surface. Slow down and travel with caution. There is a long list of reasons not to get hurt right now.

Avalanche Discussion

For the most part, a usable 1-2 foot deep supportable snowpack exists along the Sierra Crest above 7000' in the northern portion of the forecast area, above 8000' in the southern portion of the forecast area, and above 8600' in the Mt. Rose area. Variable snow conditions exist just about everywhere. Expect wind scoured areas and/or bare ground in open near and above treeline terrain. Southerly aspects are a mix of bare ground and melt-freeze snow depending on wind protection. Northerly aspects at and below treeline hold the most snow. The faceting process continues on these northerly aspects with clear skies, cold nights, and low sun angles. Weak loose grain faceted snow is most apparent near the surface on wind protected northerly aspects. Ongoing snowpack monitoring remains focused on snowcover distribution and weak layer development in the existing snowpack as faceting continues and structural changes occur to the existing snow crystals.

Regions covered