Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Blowing and drifting snow was observed yesterday at various locations around the forecast area.  Slabs of wind-blown snow remain a lingering avalanche concern. Identify specific areas of potentially unstable snow and move around them with caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    SW winds continued to blow and drift snow yesterday, mainly in near treeline and above treeline areas. Lingering areas of unstable wind slabs remain a concern today. Expect an irregular distribution pattern to the wind slabs today along with a mix of hard slab and soft slab conditions.

    Blowing snow should come to an end today so look at the snow surface for clues as to where lingering wind slab instability may exist. Slopes beneath cornice features and large wind drifts are suspect as well as any slopes with hard wind slabs that seem hollow. Better snow quality will be found in wind protected lower elevation terrain.  Large cornices that built out during the storm may remain fragile. Once you identify specific slopes of concern, move around them with caution.

    (3/5/2024)

    Significant blowing snow was observed yesterday on Stevens Peak. Slab deposition patterns were irregular. Carson Pass area, CA

    Photo: SAC

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    We are past the first of March, and incoming solar radiation is significant. The southern portion of the forecast area may see sufficient breaks in cloud cover today to allow for some snow surface wetting, especially now that the recent SW winds are finally going light at mid slope. Further north, thicker cloud cover is expected to keep this avalanche problem from forming today. A few rollerballs and pinwheels are the most likely occurrence, with maybe a small wet loose avalanche initiating around some sun exposed rocks that contribute to increased heating.

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