Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline terrain today due to the presence of both new and old wind slabs. Human-triggered avalanches remain possible on steep slopes where slabs of wind drifted snow have formed. Avalanche activity is unlikely in sheltered, below treeline terrain (LOW avalanche danger).

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong winds during the night combined with some new snow have formed fresh drifts of snow in wind-exposed near and above treeline terrain. The new slabs of wind drifted snow may be sensitive to human triggers today. Older wind slabs may also still linger in some places especially in complex or extreme terrain. Wind slab avalanches could involve enough snow to bury or injure a person (D2). While the largest wind slabs should exist on N-NE-E aspects, SW and W winds during the night and NW winds this afternoon mean that wind slabs could exist on almost any aspect. Large fragile cornices may also lurk above wind-loaded slopes.

    Identifying where wind slabs may exist by using clues like blowing snow, cornices above a slope, drifted snow, and other wind created features can help create safety margins to reduce exposure to avalanche problems. This information can also help tailor travel plans to find better quality snow on more sheltered slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

* Yesterday observations from Hidden Peak on the West Shore found some stubborn, hard, wind slabs on leeward slopes near the summit. Ski cuts/kicks on wind-loaded test slopes and snowpit tests did not reveal any signs of instability.

* In more sheltered areas on Hidden Peak, observations showed a well-bonded snowpack with the recent snow resting on top of a supportable rain crust. Below 7000 ft. coverage remains poor. 

* Observations from 2 days ago in the Mt. Rose area and on Carson Pass found fragile cornices and signs of growing wind slabs. 

Regions covered