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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger should remain LOW at all elevations today. Avalanche activity should remain unlikely. Some small loose wet instabilities may still form on isolated terrain features. 

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Avalanche activity is unlikely today. Enough warming should still occur for wet snow to form on the surface of sun-exposed aspects today. However, slightly cooler daytime highs, a solid overnight refreeze, and limited snow cover on the SE-S-SW-W aspects should keep any loose wet instabilities that may form small and isolated. Steep E-SE facing terrain features where more snow exists and/or where the recent snow has not fully transitioned to melt-freeze snow hold the best potential for isolated loose wet instabilities.

Avalanche Discussion

* 2 to 4 in. of soft corn snow with supportable snow below it formed on the SE-S-SW aspects of Castle Peak (Donner Summit) yesterday. On E aspects of Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area) 1 to 2 inches of wet snow formed above cold snow that has not fully transitioned to melt-freeze snow. Ski cuts triggered small roller balls and pinwheels on the E aspects of Red Lake Peak.

* North aspects on Castle Peak and Red Lake Peak still held a mix of soft unconsolidated surface snow, wind packed surfaces, and breakable crusts depending on elevation and exposure.

* Snowpit data from north aspects on Red Lake Peak showed a mostly well-consolidated snowpack with some indication of lingering weak layers that continue to gain strength.

Regions covered