Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human triggered wind slab avalanches continue to occur in the backcountry with multiple close calls reported yesterday.  Strong winds today will continue to form unstable slabs of wind-blown snow.  Avalanche danger will increase late this afternoon/evening and through tonight as a winter storm enters our region.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Multiple reports came in again yesterday of human triggered wind slab avalanches throughout the forecast region.  Over the past multiple days, these wind slabs have continued to grow in size with consistent strong to gale force SW winds.  These wind slabs have not bonded and gained strength in many areas and are expected to be reactive again today.  Some wind slab avalanche reports yesterday had deep crowns with wide propagation- producing size D2+ avalanches.    

    Avalanche danger will increase late this afternoon or early evening as snow begins to occur in our area with more wind transport expected.  With the strength of the wind speeds and the additional snow forecasted, some wind slabs could form in below treeline areas.  Use caution while traveling around areas where unstable wind slabs may exist.  Areas below ridgelines, slopes below cornices, and areas with blowing snow, will all be likely areas for wind slabs to exist.

    (4/1/2023)

    Skier triggered wind slab avalanche on Hawkins Peak, Woodfords Canyon.

    Photo: Public

Avalanche Discussion

  • Unstable wind slabs continue in some ridgetop areas.  Many human triggered wind slab avalanches have occurred over the past few days throughout the forecast region.  Check out our observation page or the Media Gallery below for more information.
  • A large cornice collapse occurred in Ward Canyon on Friday.
  • Several inches of unconsolidated snow were observed yesterday along the ridgetops, available for transport as wind speeds increase.
  • Sun crusts have formed on most sun-exposed slopes across nearly all aspects.
  • Signs of persistent instability on graupel and crust layers across NW-N-NE aspects within the forecast area have become increasingly isolated and difficult to trigger. Triggering an isolated persistent slab avalanche 1.5 to 4+ feet deep in snowpack has become unlikely on a regional scale yet still not impossible.

Regions covered