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

A ridgetop wind shift from the SW to the NE will drift and redistribute snow on the ground. Blowing and drifting snow is expected to form into cohesive slabs on the downwind side of ridgetops and in gully features. Snow surface warming on sun exposed slopes may lead to wet snow instability. Identify slopes of concern and move cautiously around them. Avalanche danger is expected to continue to increase tonight into tomorrow due to increasing wind speeds and ongoing drifting of snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ridgetop winds are in the process of making a 180 degree wind shift. Gale force winds that blew from the SW over the past few days are shifting to N to NE winds for today. Wind speeds are expected to reach 50 mph this afternoon and 100 mph tonight. This new wind direction will redistribute the 6 inches of new snow we received since Sunday. Expect to see areas of blowing and drifting snow by this afternoon. Drifting snow will form into new wind slabs along the downwind side of ridgetops and into gully features.

    Use clues such as visible blowing snow,  wind pillows, snow surface texture, and snow surface cracking to identify areas where new wind slabs have formed. Move around these areas with caution. Strong sunshine on newly formed wind slabs may increase the sensitivity to triggering in some areas.

    (3/12/2024) An unintentional skier triggered wind slab avalanche near Becker Peak. Echo Summit area, CA

    Photo: Public

  • Loose Wet

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

    The strong mid March sun is expected to create some areas of surface wet snow instability today. Sun exposed slopes, especially those with protection from N to NE winds are the areas of greatest concern for this avalanche problem. Wet loose avalanches involving the recent new snow are possible today on steep sun exposed slopes.

    Rollerballs and pinwheels are clues to the presence of this avalanche problem. Consider opting for less steep terrain in areas where signs of surface wet snow instability are present.

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