Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Increasing winds today will blow around any snow that remains available for drifting. Isolated areas of unstable snow remain a concern in the locations where blowing snow accumulates. Move cautiously around areas that appear to have been filled in by blowing and drifting snow rather than scoured out by the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ridgetop winds that were strong out of the NE on New Year's Eve have shifted back to the SW and are increasing in speed today. Signs of wind affected snow are prevalent along below treeline ridgetops and in all near treeline and above treeline terrain. Any places where snow can still be blown around today hold concern for newly formed unstable wind slabs. Older, hard wind slabs are also a lingering instability concern. 

    Look for any areas where blowing snow is accumulating and anticipate potential instability in those locations. Be cautious traveling out onto firm surfaces that exist in places that appear to have been filled in by wind blown snow rather than scoured away. These older hard wind slabs are the ones that could produce the larger avalanches at this time. Instability will likely be isolated today so avoid complacency.

    (1/1/2022)

    Recent wind slab avalanche on The Sisters. N aspect above treeline, Carson Pass, CA.

    Photo: Public

Avalanche Discussion

* Below treeline areas with the best wind protection continue to hold powder snow conditions. This is also where you have the most options for avoiding the wind slab avalanche problem.

Regions covered