Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger continues with normal caution advised when traveling in the backcountry.  Early season conditions exist with thin snow coverage throughout the forecast region.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Early season conditions dominate the forecast area with limited terrain available for over the snow recreation.  Thin snowpack coverage, with many rocks, bushes, dirt, and trees poking out of the snow that could be hit, remains the main hazard for backcountry travel.  A mostly supportable snowpack on upper elevation northerly aspects does provide decent travel conditions and avoidance of many of these obstacles.  Light to moderate NE winds today are not expected to transport snow and be a concern.  Winds are set to switch back to the SW late tonight and increase into the strong to gale force range into Wednesday.  Normal caution is advised when traveling in the backcountry.  Maintain awareness of the changing snow conditions as you move through terrain.   

Avalanche Discussion

Mostly supportable snow conditions exist above 8600' in the Mt. Rose area and above 7300-7800' along the Sierra Crest on northerly aspects.  Snow melt and loss has occurred on southerly aspects with more exposed obstacles or bare dirt in these areas.  The snowpack is around 1-2 feet deep and continues to settle and gain strength.  Weaknesses at or near the snow surface will need to be monitored as a future problem when our next snow storm arrives.    

Regions covered