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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated areas of instability may linger in complex or extreme terrain. Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Small and shallow lingering wind slabs and small amounts of surface wet snow are expected today, neither of which are expected to pose a major hazard to backcountry travelers. The most likely locations to encounter a lingering unstable wind slab is in complex or extreme terrain in the form of couloirs, gullies, and unsupported slopes above cliff bands. Slab size is expected at 6 inches deep or less and only extending a short distance down slope. The most significant associated hazard is the possibility of being pushed into rocks, trees, or over cliffs. Areas of wet snow will be slow to form today due to cloud cover, but an inch or so of wet snow is likely to form during the afternoon hours. If cloud cover clears either slower or faster than forecast, this will affect the amount of surface wet snow that forms today.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Rubicon Peak (West Shore Tahoe area) revealed no signs of instability. Snow surface conditions consisted of 0.5 to 2 inches of recent new snow on top of supportable crust. Snow cover was very thin to nonexistent below 7,600' on all aspects. Snowpack depth quickly increased to 3 to 4 feet above 8,000' on NW-N-NE aspects. Old near crust facets are continuing to round and gain strength on northerly aspects in this area with snowpit tests indicating that failure of this layer is unlikely. Very small amounts of surface wet snow were noted at 12:45 pm on flat terrain at 7,500'. Observations made the day prior near Elephant's Back (Carson Pass area) revealed signs of lingering small and shallow wind slabs in recently wind loaded areas.

Regions covered