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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Frozen conditions early this morning will give way to wet snow on the surface in sun exposed areas as the morning progresses. Backcountry travelers could trigger avalanches of wet loose snow today on steep slopes. When the snow starts to feel unsupportable, mushy, or you start sinking boot-top-deep into wet snow, consider opting for slopes not steep enough to avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Pay attention to changes in the snow surface today as it progresses from firm and frozen to soft and melted. Once the snow surface has melted enough that surface wet snow becomes more than a couple of inches deep, or if it starts to feel unsupportable, consider opting for non-avalanche terrain. Small wet snow sluffs or sinking boot-top-deep into wet snow indicate that larger, wet loose avalanches could occur.

    Across E-S-W aspects that underwent significant melt yesterday, a decent snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night on open slopes. A comparatively weaker refreeze is expected under the forest canopy, where overnight radiational cooling of the snowpack was more inhibited. Today, warm air temperatures and sunshine will work to melt the refreeze, allowing wet snow to form on sun exposed slopes. Slopes that get the most sun will develop the most wet snow. Most wet loose avalanches that occur today will likely remain small. However, they could become large on long, steep slopes, where they entrain more snow as they travel downhill. With sun angles increasing, small amounts of snow surface melt are expected on lower angle northerly aspects. Steeper, well shaded northerly aspects may remain firm and frozen all day.

    (3/10/2026)

    Overnight refreeze of the snow surface is superficial and only a few inches thick. Residual wet snow that does not refreeze overnight exists below the surface crust. As the surface crust melts away, deep wet snow is exposed, and the potential for wet loose avalanches increases.

    Jakes Peak, West Shore Tahoe area.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The current warm spell has accelerated meltout on all aspects below about 7,500' and on southerly aspects at all elevations. Large areas of exposed ground and higher flowing open creeks are making the approaches to terrain difficult in many areas. Numerous open holes, creeks, and ponded water exist in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'. While shaded areas hold better snow coverage, they also hold firm and bumpy snow surfaces, making travel more challenging and increasing the possibility of long sliding falls.

Regions covered