Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Moderate avalanche danger exists in near treeline and above treeline terrain due to wind slab avalanche problems.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches remain possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs will be possible on SE-S-SW-W-NW-N aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain as strong NE/E winds continue through today.  Several avalanches were reported yesterday due to large amounts of wind transport and slab development.  Large cornices continue to exist along ridelines and peaks and should be avoided.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, wind pillows, and snow surface scouring as clues to where wind slabs are developing.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were received from Powderhouse Peak (Luther Pass area), Blue Lakes (Carson Pass area), Mt. Rose Wilderness and Incline Lake Peak (Mt. Rose area), Schallenberger Ridge and Andesite Peak (Donner Summit area), and Shirley Canyon (Squaw Valley area).  All areas showed strong to gale force NE winds throughout the day with large amounts of wind transport occurring near and above treeline.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches were reported at Incline Lake Peak, Mt. Rose Wilderness, and Blue Lakes.  Signs of instabilities were observed at most locations with heavy wind transport, shooting cracks in wind loaded terrain, and test slope avalanche failures.  Dense recent storm snow exists in below treeline terrain.

Regions covered