Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of blowing snow occurred yesterday, mainly over the southern end of the forecast area. Small, isolated areas of unstable snow are not impossible in upper elevation areas. Exercise caution if you encounter snow surface cracking in any areas that recently filled in with wind drifted snow, especially in high consequence terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Small, isolated avalanches are unlikely but not impossible today in areas that filled in with wind drifted snow over the past 24 hours. Upper elevation, above treeline terrain in the southern portion of the forecast area is the most likely location for a new slab of wind drifted snow to have formed. Very small avalanches that are otherwise inconsequential can contribute to accidents in high consequence terrain. Consider opting for simpler, lower consequence terrain if you encounter signs of instability such as snow surface cracking. Colder air temperatures yesterday and last night may have slowed the stabilization of newly wind drifted snow.

    Avalanches large enough to bury a person are unlikely today. The concern is for triggering a very small avalanche in consequential terrain. This avalanche problem is expected in isolated distribution and not present in the vast majority of locations.

    (1/24/2026)

    Ebbetts Pass area yesterday. Moderate NE winds transporting snow in complex terrain. Exercise caution today if choosing to travel in complex terrain, where a tiny avalanche can have increased consequences.

    Photo: Sarah Newsome

Avalanche Discussion

Snow coverage remains decent on most aspects that face the northern half of the compass. Less snow cover exists on southerly aspects. Snow surface conditions remain highly variable with sastrugi, wind-scoured surfaces, rippled snow, dense wind-buff, and exposed rain crusts in wind-affected areas. Sunny slopes hold crusts and transitional melt-freeze snow. Areas of softer snow still linger on shady, wind-protected slopes and in some alpine areas. These soft snow patches have grown more isolated over time.

Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water exist in low lying areas, especially below 8,000'. Some of these hazards exist in isolated distribution at higher elevations.

Regions covered