Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger today will be very dependent on your location and recent snowfall amounts received.  Areas that received new snow last night along with additional snow expected today will have MODERATE avalanche danger with human triggered avalanches possible.  A wind slab avalanche problem will be possible in near and above treeline areas with a potential storm slab avalanche problem in near and below treeline areas.  Look for areas of unstable snow while traveling in the backcountry today.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slab avalanches will be possible in near and above treeline areas today.  Strong to gale force SW winds yesterday have shifted to the NE and are forecasted to be in the moderate range today.  These wind shifts will make wind slabs possible on most all aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Wind slabs are only expected to be problematic in areas that received higher end snowfall amounts yesterday, last night, or what will fall today.  Areas that received lower end amounts of snow will not have enough new snow to form wind slabs that would be a concern for backcountry users.    

    Look for blowing snow, new cornice development, wind pillows, and signs of previous wind loading from yesterday.  Avoid steep wind loaded slopes and areas below newly formed cornices.    

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm slabs are a concern in areas that received the higher end amounts of snow yesterday, last night, and storm snow expected today.  These convective storms could produce rapid loading with potential bonding issues between these different storm layers. Storm snow instabilities would only be expected in areas that received the higher end amounts of new storm snow.  In most other locations, dust on crust conditions will be present with no storm slab issue.  If cracking or signs of instabilities exist in your location, move to lower angle terrain with no overhead hazards.  

Avalanche Discussion

* Colder temperatures, cloudy skies, and NE winds are expected to prevent any warming of the snow surface and any loose wet avalanche instabilities from forming today.

* Melt freeze crusts are expected to remain firm today with limited softening.  Dust on crust conditions are expected to exist in many areas.

Regions covered