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 will exist over the next two days due to a wind slab avalanche problem in near and above treeline terrain.  LOW avalanche danger will be in below treeline areas.  This two day avalanche forecast will be updated on Thursday morning by 7am.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    SW winds will be on the increase today, tonight, and tomorrow.  Winds are forecasted to slightly shift to the S on Wednesday.  Low density storm snow from Sunday and Monday will be easy to wind transport as the S/SW winds increase into the moderate to strong speed range.  New wind slab formation will start to occur today and continue through Wednesday in near and above treeline areas. 

    Blowing snow, fresh cornices, shooting cracks, and wind scouring along ridges will all be indicators of current wind slab development.  Identify where wind slabs may exist and communicate with your group on how best to manage terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Loose dry sluffing was common in steeper terrain on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) and at Frog Lakes (Carson Pass area) yesterday.  

Little to no evidence of unstable wind slabs were observed on Tamarack Peak (Mt. Rose area), Rubicon Peak ( West Shore area), and Castle and Andesite Peaks (Donner Summit area).

 

Regions covered