Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Rain on snow could cause wet loose avalanches on steep low elevation slopes today. Other avalanche problems should remain limited since not much precipitation is expected today. The avalanche danger will increase quickly as snow and wind impact the area starting this evening. Expect more dangerous avalanche conditions tonight and tomorrow. MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in areas that receive rain today. If the storm arrives sooner than expected, the avalanche danger will also increase sooner.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    While the forecast calls for precipitation to remain limited today, snow levels around 7000 ft could mean rain on snow. Even a small amount of rain on snow could create enough wet snow for wet loose avalanche activity on steep lower elevation slopes. If snow levels are higher and more rain falls than expected, wet loose avalanches could be more widespread.

    The snow will quickly get wet and sloppy as soon as it starts raining. Traveling before the rain starts or in higher elevation areas above the rain line can avoid wet snow and getting wet yourself.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Since the forecast only calls for up to 2 inches of snow above 7000 ft today, avalanche problems other than the rain on snow mentioned above should remain unlikely. This will change as more snow and wind impact the forecast area overnight. Fragile slabs of wind drifted will form on leeward aspects during the night. These wind slabs will grow large enough to be problematic tonight and tomorrow. If the storm speeds up and more snow falls today than forecasted, the wind slabs could become an issue sooner.

Avalanche Discussion

* Variable conditions have been observed around the forecast area as the recent snow has transitioned over the last few days. Some cold soft snow still lingers on shaded and sheltered N aspects. Melt-freeze crusts exist over softer snow on sun-exposed slopes. These did not soften or melt very much yesterday due to increased cloud cover and wind. Along ridgelines and on exposed upper elevation slopes wind-scoured areas and wind-sculpted snow surfaces exist.

* In higher elevation terrain near Luther Pass, the Feb rain crust has weakened and faceted. Some snowpit tests have produced unstable results in this area. In many other places, observations targeting this layer have not revealed signs of instability.

Regions covered