Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger will continue throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.  This forecast will be updated on Tuesday, December 26, by 7am.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast region.  Strong SW ridgetop winds will continue to redistribute small amounts of snow and scour snow surfaces in exposed near and above treeline terrain.  Wind scoured snow surfaces with areas of exposed firm crusts could present travel hazards.  Hard wind slabs exist in isolated areas in near and above treeline terrain.  Northerly, wind protected, below treeline areas, still offer the best chances of finding soft winter snow. 

    Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely.  Use normal caution and safe travel protocols when traveling in the backcountry.   

Avalanche Discussion

*Variable snow surface conditions exist throughout the forecast region.  Wind scoured snow with firm crusts exist in areas exposed to the recent SW and NE winds.  Wind protected, below treeline terrain, on northerly aspects, has unconsolidated snow surfaces.

* Near surface facets exist below some of the wind slabs and recent storm snow depending on proximity to treeline and protection from wind scouring or wind loading.  Snowpit data continues to identify this layer, but snowpit tests do not indicate current instability.

* On a regional scale, the greatest snow coverage exists above 8,000' along the Mount Rose Hwy and in Sierra Crest locations north of Emerald Bay. Overall less snow cover exists south of Emerald Bay, but is generally usable above 8,500'. Area wide, northerly aspects hold significantly more snow cover than southerly aspects.

Regions covered