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

High winds will continue today with blowing snow.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches will remain possible.  MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline terrain with LOW avalanche danger in below treeline areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Gale force SW winds were reported throughout the forecast area yesterday.  Last night, winds shifted to the NE and are expected to increase to strong to gale force today.  These NE winds will have available snow to transport back over onto SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects.  Newly formed wind slabs today and wind slabs that formed yesterday could be reactive to human triggering from backcountry users.  Near and above treeline terrain will be a mix of wind slabs, wind scoured snow, and firm crusts.

    Blowing snow, wind scouring, and new cornice development will be occurring today in near and above treeline areas.  Better snow quality and more enjoyable conditions will be found today in protected below treeline areas away from the winds. 

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were received from Hidden Peak (West Shore area) and Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area).  Gale force SW winds were blowing snow and scouring the snow surface in all but protected below treeline areas.  Newly forming wind slabs were found at both locations.  Small reactive wind slabs and cracking were found on Stevens Peak, while wind slabs remained mostly unreactive on Hidden Peak.  

Regions covered