Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

HIGH avalanche danger exists in the backcountry as continued high intensity snowfall rapidly loads feet of new snow into avalanche terrain. Avalanches initiating higher up in the terrain may travel down into below treeline areas that are often thought of as "safe". Travel in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended today.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today due to the very high likelihood of avalanches. There is non-avalanche terrain out there for backcountry travel if you plan carefully before heading out. Make a travel plan that highlights the use of very specific slopes that have a slope angle less than 30 degrees and are not connected to steeper terrain above or to the side. Identify any nearby avalanche terrain as no-go zones and avoid avalanche run out areas. Identify these areas on a map and plan for how you will navigate to avoid avalanche terrain without sight of the surround peaks and avalanche start zones due to very limited visibility. Take gear that will protect you from the elements if you need to stop moving and hunker down in the event of an injury or equipment failure.  Think self-sufficiency in a full on winter storm. Anticipate a very slow response for any rescue in the backcountry today. Even with a good plan, the right equipment, and the right travel partners, a lot could go wrong out there today.

    Unstable snow is expected in a wide variety of areas both above a below treeline. Storm slab avalanches size D1 to D2 were triggered both intentionally and unintentionally yesterday by backcountry skiers. Avalanches size is anticipated as larger today than yesterday. Storm slabs are expected to increase in depth and extent across terrain as high intensity snowfall continues. Wind loaded areas should produce the largest avalanches as wind drifted snow fills in very rapidly onto slopes along the downwind side ridgetops and into gully features. High intensity snowfall is also likely to produce instability within the new snow in wind protected areas, as new snow accumulates faster than it can stabilize. Snow levels rose to around 7,000' for several hours last night. This warming may have added a density change weak layer into the storm snow that could further contribute to snowpack instability today.

    (12/24/2025) A size D2 avalanche intentionally triggered yesterday using cornice fall. Tamarack Peak, NV, Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Snowpack depths vary substantially across the forecast area. Locations above 8,000' hold 3 to 6+ feet of snow. Locations below 8,000' generally held 4 inches to 1.5 feet prior to today's snowfall. The expected snowfall over the next 24 hours will help to lessen the chances of hitting obstacles such as rock and logs hidden under the snow surface, especially in the 7,000' to 8,000' elevation range. If traveling over snow in areas below 7,500', expect lots of obstacles such as rocks, logs, and open creeks.

Prior to the significant snowfall over the last few days, rain to 10,000' and warm air helped layers of older, weaker snow to gain strength. It appears that avalanches are much more likely to occur on snowpack failures within the storm snow than down on old snow layers. That said, the amount of recent storm snow out there is plenty to make for some large avalanches.

Regions covered