Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Moderate avalanche danger exists in below treeline, near treeline, and above treeline terrain due to loose wet and wind slab avalanches.  Loose wet avalanches are possible at all elevations and human triggered wind slabs are becoming unlikely but not impossible in near and above treeline terrain.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify areas of concern. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches are possible in below treeline terrain on all aspects and on SE-S-SW aspects at all elevations as daytime warming increases today and winds diminish.  Most of these loose wet avalanches should be in the form of roller balls but some could be larger and involve enough snow to injure a backcountry user.  As rapid warming occurs later this morning, look for active roller balls and deep unsupportable snow.  Avoid steep slopes where unstable snow exists.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs are becoming unlikely but not impossible on SE-S-SW-W-NW-N aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  In most areas there is limited snow available for transport and the NE/E winds have diminished in speed.  Lingering wind slabs could still exist in isolated areas.  Look for clues that previous wind loading has occurred and avoid steep wind loaded terrain.  Large cornices exist along most ridgelines and extra caution is advised around these hazards.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received from Blue Lakes (Carson Pass area), Rose Knob Peak (Mt. Rose area), Andesite Peak (Donner Summit area), Shirley Canyon (Squaw Valley area), and the Backcountry outside of Bear Valley Ski Resort.  A boarder triggered avalanche was reported on Rose Knob yesterday that caught 1 backcountry user.  The slide was reported to be 30' wide and ran for 500' downslope with a 1' crown.  In most areas, loose wet avalanche activity was reported in the form of roller balls on steep solar aspects in the mid day hours with some larger loose wet avalanches reported.  Snow surface conditions were reported as variable with everything from wet surface snow, breakable crusts, and supportable wind board.   

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