Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1

  Strong SW winds with additional snow will allow wind slabs to form on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Most wind slabs today should be small in size due to limited available snow for wind transport.  In efficient wind loading areas that receive the most new storm snow, wind slabs could be large enough to be problematic for backcountry users. 

  Look for blowing snow, new cornice development, and wind pillows.  Make a plan to avoid suspect wind loaded areas.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1

  Loose wet avalanches will be possible today on all aspects in near and below treeline terrain.  As daytime warming occurs along with rain at lower elevations, loose wet avalanches involving the recent storm snow are expected.  Most of these loose wet instabilities will be small in size and in the form of roller balls and pinwheels, but some could become larger and involve older wet snow. 

  Wet and unsupportable snow will be capable of loose wet avalanches today.  Use terrain to help limit exposure and avoid overhead hazards.