Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Warming temperatures with strong April sunshine could form unstable wet snow today.  This wet snow could slide downhill on steep slopes as daytime warming occurs.  Look for changing conditions throughout the day and move around any areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Warming temperatures with strong April sunshine will create wet surface snow on all aspects throughout the day.  Overnight freezing temperatures occurred at most locations above 7000' throughout the forecast area with some cloud cover present.  Gusty NE winds should prevent wet snow development from occurring on wind exposed slopes above treeline.  Areas that received a couple inches of storm snow will become wet and sticky with small roller balls and pinwheels occurring as this layer warms quickly today.  As the melt freeze crust melts throughout the day, larger wet loose avalanches could become possible.

    Reevaluate snow conditions while traveling today.  If the snow starts to feel wet and mushy, it's time to move away from avalanche terrain or change aspects to where colder snow exists. Sinking into boot-top deep wet snow, roller balls, and pinwheels can also indicate that enough wet snow exists for larger, wet loose avalanches to occur.

    (4/10/2024)

    Previous wet loose avalanches in the Carson Pass area.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Light blowing snow could occur in areas that received up to an inch or so of snow overnight.  This limited amount of new snow should not be enough to cause wind slab development today.

The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

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