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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

This advisory will cover Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The next update to the avalanche advisory will occur on Jan. 2 at 7:00 am. 

The avalanche danger remains low on all aspects and elevations. While avalanches remain unlikely, some unstable snow could linger on isolated terrain features. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Avalanches will remain unlikely, and avalanche problems will remain limited today and tomorrow. In most areas observations have shown a well bonded snowpack with a variety of snow surface conditions. In near and below treeline areas sheltered from the scouring winds, 12 to 15 inches of soft unconsolidated snow exists on the snow on top of the snowpack. In more exposed near and above treeline areas, firm wind scoured surfaces or exposed icy crusts comprise the snow surface. Arresting a fall on some of these icy exposed slopes may be difficult. As the winds shift back and forth from east to south and southwest between today and tomorrow, some minor wind slabs may form on some of the upper elevation slopes near ridgelines. These wind slabs should remain small, shallow, and not extend very far away from the ridgelines due to previous scouring that reduced the amount of snow available for transport. Some cornices still loom over previously wind loaded slopes as well. 

    Continue to practice normal caution and safe travel techniques when traveling in the backcountry. Those techniques include avoiding areas of unstable snow, only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain, regrouping in safe spots out of the avalanche path, avoiding terrain traps, and communicating clearly with your partners.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday on Andesite Ridge and Waterhouse observations showed soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas on all aspects and wind scoured surfaces and exposed crusts on near and above treeline open slopes. Some wind transport did start occurring along the summit ridgeline of Waterhouse Peak and along some of the upper elevation peaks around Carson Pass during the afternoon, but new wind slab formation remained minimal due to the lack of snow available for transport. Ski cuts and general observations on both Andesite and Waterhouse did not reveal any signs of instabilities. Snowpit data from Andesite Ridge showed a well-bonded snowpack and did not reveal any layers/interfaces of concern.

Regions covered