Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Strong winds continue today with slabs of wind blown snow possible in gully features, near ridges, and in open areas.  This avalanche problem is mainly focused on the eastern and southern portions of the forecast region where the most recent storm snow exists.  Look for areas where unstable snow could accumulate and avoid these areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs continue to be a concern along the eastern and southern portions of the forecast region where the most snow fell during our last storm.  Wind slabs up to 2 feet deep have been observed since the recent storm over the weekend.  Northeast winds will continue to be strong today with blowing snow where snow remains available for wind transport.  Many wind exposed slopes have been scoured back down to firm crusts from these winds. These new wind slabs have formed on top of either sugary faceted snow at the old snow surface or on top of firm ice.  Look for where this snow is accumulating in gully features, below ridges, and on open slopes.   

    Deeper pockets of wind blown snow, new cornices forming over a slope, or snow surface scouring could all be clues as to where wind slabs may have formed.  Any cracking in the snow surface would be a clear sign that new wind slabs are unstable in that area. Traveling in wind protected areas such as tree-covered slopes or places where other terrain blocks the wind can reduce the exposure to this avalanche problem and provide improved snow surface conditions.  

    (1/27/2025)

    Moderate to strong NE winds continued to transport snow today.  Wind exposed areas wcere scoured back to firm crusts.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Prior to the snowfall over the weekend, snow surface conditions varied greatly depending on exposure to wind, elevation, and aspect. The majority of the new storm snow fell on the eastern and southern portions of the forecast area and is very low density. Beneath the new snow, expect to still feel the uneven surfaces, wind-sculpted features, firm surfaces, refrozen tracks, and scoured ice crusts in many areas. Some places will still hold firm and icy conditions, allowing for sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles on steep slopes in near and above treeline.locations.  Many areas along the Sierra Crest received little to almost no new snow with this last storm with no snow surface condition changes.

Warming temperatures and decreasing winds on Wednesday and Thursday could introduce wet snow instabilities to the forecast area.

Regions covered