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

Early this morning avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. As the day progresses, MODERATE avalanche danger will develop at all elevations as loose wet avalanche problems develop in response to daytime warming. Human triggered avalanche activity is possible today on steep slopes during the afternoon hours and could occur during the mid to late morning hours in some locations.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Areas of loose wet snow avalanche problems are expected to form today on all aspects at all elevations as daytime warming melts surface snow on all aspects. Timing of when significant amounts of unstable surface wet snow form today could vary significantly around the forecast area due to the very wide range of air temperatures at the mid and upper elevations this morning. At any rate it will occur more quickly than yesterday. Human triggered avalanche activity will be possible this afternoon in all areas and could occur this morning is some of the warmer locations.

    Pay attention to the amount and rate of surface wet snow formation. Avoid slopes over 35 degrees in slope angle where roller balls are occurring and/or where wet snow exceeds boot top height.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on the N side of Carson Pass and on Incline Lake Peak (Mount Rose area) revealed much slower than expected snow surface warming due to brisk NE to E winds. Areas of roller ball activity were noted on Incline Lake Peak on a SE aspect at and below 8,500' starting just before 1 pm. Newly formed wind slabs were small and did not extend very far down slope. Frozen snow surfaces ranging from wind packed to supportable or breakable melt-freeze crust existed in most areas near and above treeline up until at least mid day. Areas of unconsolidated snow lingered in wind protected areas on NW-N-NE aspects below treeline. 

Regions covered