Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Strong winds drifting new snowfall will create potentially unstable slabs of snow near ridgetops and in gully features. Areas of unstable wet snow may form in areas that receive rain on snow or afternoon sun. Move cautiously around avalanche terrain where wind drifted snow is depositing or where signs of surface wet snow exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ridgetop winds increased overnight and are strong in speed out of the SW this morning. New snowfall today, mainly near the Sierra Crest will drift and deposit on the leeward side of ridgetops and into gully features. Unstable wind slabs are possible in above treeline and near treeline terrain. The vast majority of new wind slab development will occur across NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects today.

    Use clues such as blowing snow, cornices, wind drifts, recent avalanches, and snow surface cracking to identify slopes of concern. Move cautiously around avalanche terrain where the potential for unstable wind slabs exists.

  • Loose Wet

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

    There are a few possible scenarios for a wet loose avalanche problem to develop today on any aspect. One scenario is rising snow levels leading to rain on new snow. A second scenario is rapid warming during any sun breaks that occur this afternoon between periods of snow showers. A third scenario is very wet new snow in the first 1,000' or so above the rain/snow line today.

    Rollerballs and pinwheels are indications that this avalanche problem is present. Consider moving to slopes less steep than about 35 degrees in slope angle to reduce the risk of triggering a wet loose avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

Massive cornices exist along many ridgelines. Some have deep cracks behind them. A substantial warming event leading to some large cornice collapses is expected to occur during the Saturday to Monday timeframe.

Regions covered