Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

LOW avalanche danger early this morning will rise to MODERATE avalanche danger as daytime warming occurs.  Loose wet avalanches will become possible at all elevations as rapid warming occurs with increasing temperatures and decreasing winds.    

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Near to below overnight freezing temperatures with mostly clear overnight skies should produce a decent to good refreeze of the snow surface for this morning.  With warmer temperatures and decreasing winds expected today, these supportable melt freeze crusts will soften and break down becoming deep wet snow.  Loose wet avalanches will become possible as sun exposed slopes become deep, wet, and unsupportable.  

    Most loose wet instabilities are expected to form on sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects, but could also occur on NW-N-NE aspects with the high sun angles, warm temperatures, and light winds.  When the snow surface becomes deep and wet, it's time to change aspects or move to lower angle terrain options.  Roller balls and pinwheels will be indications that slopes are rapidly warming and loosing strength.    

Avalanche Discussion

* Increased winds and clouds yesterday morning provided supportable snow conditions with a delayed window for soft snow on Carson Pass than previous days.

* Spring melt freeze conditions are fairly well established on most E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. 

* NW-N-NE aspects still remain transitional with in between winter-like snow and spring melt freeze conditions, especially at higher elevations.

Regions covered