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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Highly variable conditions are expected today with sunshine and snow surface melt in some locations and very light snowfall and frozen all day surfaces in other locations. Areas of very firm snow surfaces exist with a potential sliding fall hazard. LOW avalanche danger exists with normal caution advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Following a decent to strong snow surface refreeze for all areas last night, conditions will vary today from one end of the forecast area to another. For areas south of about Hwy 50, periods of cloud cover and light snow showers are expected today. Little to no snow surface melt is expected. The 1 inch or less of new snow that is forecast for this area today is not enough to create any new avalanche problems. For areas north of about Hwy 50, a mix of clouds and sun is expected with the potential for some snow surface melt. Minor loose wet instabilities are unlikely but not impossible this afternoon in areas of direct sun exposure and minimal cloud cover.

    There are lots of areas with firm snow surfaces out there and sliding falls leading to impacts with rocks or trees is an ongoing concern. Plan accordingly in terms of terrain, route selection, group ability, and equipment.

Avalanche Discussion

* Diurnal melt-freeze conditions have been dominant on sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.

* Highly variable snow surface conditions exist on NW-N-NE aspects. Mostly firm conditions exist near and above treeline. A mix of breakable to supportable crust with pockets of softer faceted surface snow exists in below treeline areas with NE wind protection.

Regions covered