Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Warmer daytime air temperatures compared to the past few days and strong sunshine affecting the recent storm snow will allow for some wet loose avalanches to occur on slopes with sun exposure.  Use caution on steep sunny slopes as daytime warming occurs. Rollerballs or pinwheels are an indication that it is time to move to lower angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Today will be the beginning of a substantial warming trend lasting for several days. More widespread wetting of the recent storm snow is expected today, leading to more widespread potential for wet loose avalanches on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects as the day progresses. Wet snow instability in isolated distribution may also occur on some sun exposed NW-N-NE aspects due to the higher sun angles this time of year. Areas that intensify the solar radiation such as around rocks and gully features will be the first locations to show rapid warming and wet snow development followed by open slopes.  Rollerballs and pinwheels off of rocks, trees, or the tracks of backcountry travelers are indications of increasing potential for wet loose avalanches and the signal to move to lower angle terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Near-surface faceting that developed during the 38 day Jan/Feb dry spell created weak snow in the upper portion of the snowpack on some wind sheltered NW-N-NE aspects. The recent storm buried this weak layer under what has now settled to 6 to 12 inches of storm snow.  The recent storm snow continues to settle and become more of a cohesive slab above this weak layer. Signs of instability have occurred only in very isolated areas post storm. No avalanches have been reported on this weak layer thus far.  On a regional scale, this weak layer is very isolated in distribution and stubborn to trigger making avalanches on this layer unlikely.

Regions covered