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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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger remains Moderate on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline due to potential wind slab avalanche problems.  S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and all aspects below treeline are rated Low avalanche danger.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and look for areas of unstable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Another round of wind slab avalanche problems could affect our area today.  SW-W winds are forecasted to increase to the moderate to strong range by this afternoon with a significant amount of snow available for wind transport on the snow surface.  These wind slabs should be limited to N-NE-E aspects and potentially NW and SE aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, wind pillows, and snow surface clues to help identify suspect slopes.  In exposed near treeline and above treeline terrain, wind scoured snow surfaces and wind slabs could coexist in the same areas.

    Areas of exposed rain crust on the snow surface are likely on windward aspects above treeline.  The potential exists for long sliding falls with very difficult self arrest conditions.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Observations from Tamarack Peak (Mt. Rose area) and Rubicon Peak (West Shore area) showed a well bonded snowpack.  Minimal snow transport was observed in both locations with generally light W winds throughout the day.  Significant snow remains at both locations for future wind transport.

Flagpole Peak (Echo Summit area) showed similar conditions with minimal wind transport.  Some wind slab development was seen near ridgeline from the previous day.  Sluffing was observed within the recent storm snow on northerly aspects above 35 degrees in steepness.

Regions covered