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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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 area at all elevations.  While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, you should still follow safe travel protocols when in and around avalanche terrain.  Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today, but there are a couple things to be aware of.  Hard wind slabs on top of weaker, faceted snow exist in some isolated areas on NW-N-NE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Soft slabs on top of weaker faceted snow could exist in isolated areas on NW-N-NE aspects in below treeline terrain and have been found in the southern part of the forecast region.

    Firm snow surfaces exist in many wind exposed areas.  A fall or a slip could be hard to arrest in steeper terrain.  Early season snowpack conditions continue in most areas with many obstacles and hazards present.  Normal caution is advised while traveling in the backcountry.

Avalanche Discussion

* Snowpack tests continue to point to isolated areas of instabilities throughout the forecast region.  Hard wind slabs over weak faceted snow in near treeline and above treeline terrain and soft slabs over weak faceted snow in below treeline terrain.

* Widespread firm, wind scoured snow surfaces exist on most aspects near and above treeline.

* Variable snow surfaces with some areas of softer snow exist near and below treeline in shaded, wind protected areas.

* Areas north of Emerald Bay above 8,000', hold decent snow coverage. Below 8,000' snow coverage remains patchy and shallow. South of Emerald Bay, less snow exists with areas below 8,500' holding very little snow.  Snow coverage on southerly aspects has decreased due to melt throughout the forecast area.

Regions covered