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 exists in near treeline and above treeline areas on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to the possibility of another round of wind slab development. LOW avalanche danger exists for wind protected areas below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Ridgetop winds have shifted back to the WSW and are strong enough to move snow this morning. Plenty of low density recent storm snow is available for wind transport. New wind slab development is possible today in near treeline and above treeline areas mainly on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects. Wind slabs could form in isolated areas on SW-W aspects as well.

    Look for areas of blowing snow, new snow surface scouring, and new cornice formation to determine where new wind slabs are likely to exist.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Trimmer Peak (Luther Pass area) and on Frog Lake Ridge (Carson Pass area) indicated improving stability within the recent storm snow. In both areas the top 6 to 8 inches of recent storm snow was very low density and available on all aspects for wind transport. The moderate speed NE winds that occurred in some areas yesterday were notably absent on Trimmer Peak and Frog Lake Ridge. No signs of problematic wind slabs were observed in either area. Large cornices exist along many ridgelines. Deep tree wells were noted on Trimmer Peak.

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