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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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger will continue due to a wind slab avalanche problem in near and above treeline areas.  LOW avalanche danger exists in below treeline terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Changing wind directions over this past week along with available snow for transport has created wind slabs on many aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  After strong SW winds yesterday, winds shifted to the NE last night and will be in the strong to gale force range transporting snow today.  Lingering wind slabs could still be reactive along with newly developing wind slabs.  Multiple user triggered wind slab avalanches have occurred over the last 4 days.

    All near and above treeline avalanche terrain that is not thoroughly wind scoured should be suspect for potential wind slabs.  Blowing snow, wind pillows, and new cornice development will give you clues as to where new wind slabs may exist.  Stubborn wind slabs may have hard slab characteristics.  Softer snow will exist in wind protected below treeline terrain away from the wind slab avalanche problem.  

Avalanche Discussion

*  Human triggered wind slab avalanches up to size D2 have been reported every day since Saturday in near to above treeline areas.  Snowpack tests and informal observations continue to show wind slab instabilities in many areas.

*  Strong SW winds with intense blowing snow was observed throughout the forecast area yesterday.

* A variety of snow surface crusts are forming on southerly aspects.

Minor amounts of snow surface warming may occur today in sun exposed areas at low to mid elevations.  Below average temperatures along with strong to gale force NE winds are expected to limit snow surface warming and keep a loose wet avalanche problem from forming today.

Regions covered