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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features as daytime warming occurs.  Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Warm temperatures and light winds will continue today.  As daytime warming occurs, small loose wet instabilities may develop on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  These loose wet instabilities are expected to be small and in the form of roller balls and/or pinwheels.  Limited snow coverage exists on southerly aspects.  Areas that have not fully transitioned to melt freeze snow have the most potential for loose wet instabilities. 

    Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche Discussion

* Cold unconsolidated snow continues to exist on northerly aspects above 8000' throughout the forecast region.  Recent winds have scoured some exposed areas.

* Melt freeze crusts have developed or are transitioning on most E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  Snow coverage varies on southerly aspects with little to no continuous snow below 8200'.  Melt freeze crusts exist up to around 8000' on most northerly aspects throughout the region.

* Snowpack tests yesterday in Lincoln Valley (Yuba Pass area), at the same location 5 days prior, showed increased strength of the recent faceted weak layer with very good snow stability overall.

Regions covered