Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

New slabs of wind drifted snow could form as winds change direction and increase in speed today.  Wind drifted snow will accumulate below ridges, in gully features, and in open areas.  Look to see where new winds slabs may be forming and move around any areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Blowing snow, new cornice formation, and snow surface scouring should occur in near and above treeline areas as Northeast/East winds increase in speed.  Identify where new winds slabs will be forming and move around any areas of concern.  Wind pillows or snow surface cracking will be indicators of unstable snow forming.  Better snow quality and less avalanche hazard will exist in wind protected terrain.

    Multiple wind slab avalanches were reported yesterday throughout the forecast region.  Wind loaded slopes and large cornices that formed during the storm from southwest winds will start to wind scour with snow being transported off of these slopes by increasing Northeast/East winds today.  New wind slabs will form on SE-S-SW-W-NW-N aspects and will be largely dependent on wind speeds and how much snow transport is occurring in your area.  Isolated slopes with Northeast wind protection could continue to have some lingering instabilities on NE-E aspects. 

    Natural wind slab avalanche at 8700' on a NE aspect.

    Stevens Peak, Carson Pass area.

    (12/26/2025)

Avalanche Discussion

The recent storms built a fairly deep snowpack in a short amount of time and were preceded by large amounts of rain. As a result, there are numerous, deep open holes around creek beds and other areas of ponding. These holes and open areas are especially prominent below about 8,000', but have been observed at higher elevations.

Regions covered