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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger are expected to form as the day progresses near and above treeline on N-NE-E aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to building wind slabs. Avalanche danger is LOW for all other elevations and aspects. Isolated areas of unstable loose wet snow are unlikely but not impossible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Areas of small wind slab are expected to have begun to build along the Sierra Crest above 7,000' to 8,000' in areas where snowfall occurred last night. With a few more inches of new snow expected to add to wind slab development during cold front passage later today, isolated areas of instability are expected to form near and above treeline on N-NE-E aspects. Wind slabs are expected to be less than 1 foot deep and are not expected to extend very far down slope. If new snow amounts exceed forecast expectations, areas of larger wind slabs will form.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Jake's Peak (West Shore Tahoe area) and on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) revealed widespread wet snow with conditions remaining supportable above 7,500' into the afternoon hours. Recent observations from around the forecast area indicated that the snowpack below 8,500' was in good condition to handle last night's rain with free water drainage from the snowpack well established.

Areas of wet snow will exist this morning after rain on snow last night. Decreasing air temperatures are expected to keep any areas of loose wet snow instability to a minimum today as free water production ceases and snow surface refreeze begins to occur.

Regions covered