Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet snow instabilities continue with a poor overnight refreeze, very warm temperatures expected today, and potential for light rain showers.  Wet snow avalanches are possible on all steep slopes.  Move away from steep terrain if deep wet snow exists or you see signs of unstable wet snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Above freezing temperatures overnight occurred throughout the forecast region with partly to mostly cloudy skies.  Wet loose avalanches will be possible today on all aspects and elevations. Roller balls and pinwheels will be an indication that the snow surface is loosing strength and that larger wet loose avalanches could occur.  If deep wet snow exists, move away from avalanche terrain.

    Very little snow surface refreeze is expected.  As daytime warming occurs, any minor surface crusts that have formed will quickly melt away exposing deeper wet snow below.  Cornices will continue to be weak and prone to collapse with warm temperatures and limited refreeze.  Potential rain today would increase all wet loose instabilities.  Travel conditions could be challenging again today with some crusts, deep wet snow, and uneven snow surfaces.

    (2/27/2026)

    Natural Cornice Fall- D2R2 Northeast aspect at 8400 feet.  Likely triggered during the Feb 24-25 rain event.  

    Blue Lakes, Carson Pass area. 

    Photo: Sarah Newsome

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Triggering a large to very large avalanche has become unlikely.  The Feb 10 weak layer has been fully wetted and is much closer to the snow surface as the snowpack has decreased dramatically from the Feb 24-25 rain event.  There have been no reported large avalanches failing on the Feb. 10 layer from during or after the large rain event.  This layer will continue to gain strength as the snowpack slowly refreezes.   

Avalanche Discussion

The recent rain event decreased snow depths dramatically, especially below 7,500' and on southerly aspects. This has created a hazard situation similar to early-season coverage in some areas.  Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water linger in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'.

The avalanche that occurred on Tuesday, February 17, at the Frog Lake/Castle Peak area is a major blow to our community, and the human toll is immeasurable.  Our condolences go out to all those affected by this tragedy.  We have an avalanche observation posted here:  Perry Peak near Frog Lake/Castle Peak. We will update that page with any additional information that becomes available.

Regions covered