Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Light winds with warmer temperatures today will allow for snow surface softening on sun exposed slopes.  Any wet loose instabilities that occur today are expected to be small with larger avalanche activity remaining unlikely. 

Avalanche Discussion

Normal caution

 

NE winds have decreased overnight with light winds and warmer temperatures expected for today.  Snow surface softening will occur later this morning on slopes with direct sun exposure.  With relatively short days and low sun angles still in late January, soft wet snow will be limited mostly to SE-S-SW aspects throughout the midday.  These slopes are well consolidated after going through many melt freeze cycles and having a good overnight refreeze of the snowpack.  Any wet loose instabilities are expected to be small in size today and mainly in the form of roller balls. 

The snowpack is mostly consolidated on most aspects and elevations.  On open wind protected northerly aspects, the upper snowpack is gradually becoming weaker as near surface faceting continues.  We would need a new snow load on top of this weakening snow before any potential avalanche problems could occur.

Continue to practice good backcountry protocols.  Make a plan with your group before heading out.  Perform a departure check before leaving the trailhead, making sure everyone in your group has avalanche rescue gear (transceiver, probe shovel) and in working order.  Continue to practice safe avalanche travel techniques by planning ascent routes out of avalanche terrain, traveling 1 at a time in avalanche terrain, and regrouping out of avalanche terrain and runout zones. 

Recent Observations:

  • Variable snow surface conditions exist across the forecast area. Expect to encounter firm ice, shallow unconsolidated snow, wind-packed surfaces, wind-scoured surfaces, breakable crusts, and spring-like melt/freeze snow.
  • Some faceting has occurred in the upper snowpack in wind protected areas on northerly aspects. Otherwise, the existing snowpack is well consolidated.
  • Total snowpack height at the Snotel automated sensor sites in the 8,200' to 8,700' elevation range has decreased 25 to 35 inches since December 28th, mostly due to settlement.

Regions covered