Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Above average temperatures will create wet deep snow as daytime warming occurs.  Wet snow instabilities could form today in many areas of the forecast region.  When the snow starts to turn wet and deep, it's time to move off of steeper avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches will become possible today on all aspects and elevations as daytime warming occurs.  In areas that received the most snow yesterday, mainly in the southern portion of the forecast area south of Hwy 50, this new snow will rapidly warm and be susceptible to wet snow instabilities.  Roller balls and pinwheels will be precursors to the potential for larger wet loose avalanches entraining more snow.  A marginal refreeze of the upper snowpack is possible in some areas with warmer overnight temperatures and some cloud cover.  These areas could have weaker developed melt freeze crusts that melt and break down exposing the deep wet snow that was formed last week and has not refrozen.

    Monitor the snow surface throughout the day.  Roller balls, pinwheels, recent wet loose avalanches, and boot penetration shin to knee deep, will all be signs of developing unstable wet snow conditions.  When the snow surface gets wet, deep, and unsupportable- it's time to move off of steeper avalanche terrain.  Pay attention to the terrain above you and limit time under steep slopes.

    (3/29/2022)

    Skier triggered wet loose avalanche on Relay Peak, Mt. Rose area.  E aspect, around 10,200', at 12:40pm.

    Photo: Public

Avalanche Discussion

  • The upper snowpack has started to refreeze depending on location, but deep wet snow still exists below the refrozen crust. 
  • Meltwater has reached the old facet layer that was buried on Feb 14 on some shaded NW-N-NE aspects. As this layer refreezes it will gain strength and likely start to assimilate into the snowpack. 
  • Snowmelt has intensified on all aspects and elevations throughout the forecast region.  Most SE-S-SW aspects have exposed bare ground in many areas limiting over snow travel options on these aspects.  More obstacles along with running and open water exist.

Regions covered