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

Spring weather with some sunshine should provide enough warming for avalanches of loose wet snow to become possible on steep slopes again today. Slabs of wet snow may also still warrant concern in some areas. The avalanche danger is MODERATE today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Below freezing temperatures and partly clear skies should have allowed some of the wet snow to refreeze last night. Periods of sun this morning combined with daytime warming and a slight chance for afternoon showers should melt through the refreeze today. Once this refreeze melts, deep wet snow will exist on many slopes, and loose wet avalanches will become possible on steep slopes. Some of these could entrain enough snow to bury a person. 

    Snow conditions can change quickly and go from supportable in the morning to wet and loose in a short period of time. As soon as the snow starts to get wet and lose its ability to support a person, it is time to move to lower angle terrain or get off the wet snow. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Observations indicate that the buried surface hoar layer is starting to assimilate into the snowpack. Still, with all of the uncertainty associated with forecasting wet slab avalanches, this problem will remain a concern for a little while longer. If a wet slab avalanche does occur, it could involve enough snow to bury or injure a person.

    Using timing and terrain to avoid wet snow and/or steep terrain can help avoid wet slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

Small loose wet avalanches were reported on Mt. Judah, in the Mt. Houghton area, and in the Elephant's Graveyard area yesterday. Widespread roller balls also occurred in these areas.

Observers reported 1-2 inches of new snow on top of old wet snow on Mt. Judah; up to 3 inches of new snow on top of wet snow in Elephant's Graveyard; and 1 to 3 inches of new snow on top of wet snow in the Mt. Rose backcountry. Observers also reported that the new snow became wet and sticky with "punchy" travel conditions due to sinking into the old wet snow before 11 am yesterday.

Observations in wind-exposed places like Mt. Houghton and Elephant's Graveyard did not find large new wind slabs. One drift up to 12 inches deep with some minor cracking was noted on Mt. Houghton, and some minor cracking occurred on a small cornice in the Elephant's Graveyard area. 

Regions covered