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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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A winter storm will enter our area with new snow and increasing winds.  Slabs of wind blown snow will form in wind exposed areas below ridges, in gully features, and in open areas.  Dry loose avalanches will become possible as the day progresses.  Use caution when traveling around these areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and increased Southwest winds will form wind slabs in near and above treeline areas.  These cohesive slabs of wind blown snow are expected to become deeper and exist in more areas as the day progresses.  These wind slabs should exist below and near cornices and in upper gully features with the forecasted 4 to 8'' of new snowfall.  

    Look for blowing snow, new cornice formation, and snow surface scouring to determine where wind slabs are forming.  Snow surface cracking or dense snow over less dense snow could indicate unstable wind slab conditions.  Move around steep wind loaded slopes or areas below large cornices with caution.  

    (2/19/2025)

    Example of large corniced ridgeline with previous wind slab avalanche.  Yuba Pass area.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Loose Dry

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

    Dry loose avalanches could be triggered today by backcountry users on steep wind protected terrain as the day progresses and more snowfall accumulates.  This new snow will be falling on settled storm snow or on firm melt freeze crusts.  Some bonding issues could exist with the new storm snow and old snow surfaces.  Dry loose avalanches are expected to remain mostly small in size, but could take a user into terrain traps such as rocks, trees, or over cliffs.  

Regions covered