Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Overnight air temperatures were mostly above freezing at mid to upper elevations.  Triggering wet loose avalanches will become possible on steep slopes as deeper wet snow forms as daytime warming occurs.  If the snow surface becomes deep wet or unsupportable, move to a different aspect with less sun exposure or move away from steeper slopes.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The overnight refreeze of the snow surface will quickly melt forming wet snow as daytime warming occurs today.  Roller balls, pinwheels, or sinking into deep wet snow will indicate that the snow surface is losing strength and that wet loose avalanches could occur.  If you encounter unstable wet snow, move to a different aspect with less sun, or recreate on lower angle slopes away from steeper avalanche terrain.  Getting an early start will help minimize your exposure to this avalanche problem before snow surfaces become wet and unsupportable.

    A variable snow surface refreeze could have occurred in some areas that had more overnight cloud cover versus other locations with better radiational cooling of the snow surface due to clear skies.  Regardless, as these surface crusts melt away quickly this morning, deeper wet snow will be exposed with the potential for triggering wet loose avalanches.  Steeper shaded terrain and areas with direct wind exposure at higher elevations are expected to remain firm all day.  Remaining cornices that have not yet collapsed or drooped over, will be suspect as our warming trend continues.  Keep in mind that even a small avalanche could have increased consequences in exposed terrain.

    (3/13/2026)

    Cornice Shedding in Meiss Meadow.  Evidence of our warm spell. 

    Carson Pass area.

    Photo: Sarah Newsome

Avalanche Discussion

The current warm spell has accelerated meltout on all aspects below about 7,500' and on southerly aspects at all elevations. Large areas of exposed ground and higher flowing open creeks are making the approaches to terrain difficult in many areas. Numerous open holes, creeks, and ponded water exist in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'. While shaded areas hold better snow coverage, they also hold firm and bumpy snow surfaces, making travel more challenging and increasing the possibility of long sliding falls.

Regions covered