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

Increasing and shifting winds will keep the avalanche danger at MODERATE today due to wind slabs in near and above treeline terrain.  LOW avalanche danger will continue in below treeline areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong winds have been blowing over the last 2 days from multiple directions.  Yesterday's NE/E winds transported snow in upper elevation areas and scoured wind exposed terrain.  Winds have shifted overnight to the S and are forecasted to be strong by this afternoon.  Wind slabs will be possible on all aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Wind slabs could have soft or hard slab characteristics.

    Blowing snow, new cornice formation, and snow surface scouring will be clues to where new wind slabs are forming.  Complex terrain may have wind slabs mixed with areas of wind scoured crusts.  Firm exposed rain crusts along ridges could cause travel concerns.

Avalanche Discussion

* A small skier triggered wind slab avalanche occurred on Cinder Cone (Ward Canyon area) yesterday.  The area was on a N/NE aspect in near treeline terrain.  The slide ran full slope.  The skier was able to get off to the side of the slide and was not injured.

* Strong NE winds with intense wind loading was reported from the Ward Canyon area and Carson Pass area.  Other locations experienced lighter winds with less wind transport.

* Snow surface conditions above treeline vary from scoured firm rain crust, dense hard wind slabs, and a variety of different wind textured surfaces.  In below treeline terrain, cold dry snow exists on most northerly aspects.  

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