Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Very early this morning, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. From mid morning onwards, areas of MODERATE avalanche danger are expected at all elevations as loose wet avalanche problems develop in response to daytime warming. Instability will become increasingly widespread during the afternoon hours.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Further warming is expected today with the anticipated result of further wetting of recent storm snow. This is expected to spread to any sun exposed areas on all aspects at all elevations. This warming and snow surface wetting will allow for another round of loose wet avalanche activity, mostly human triggered. Isolated natural loose wet avalanches could still occur today, especially if triggered by cornice fall.

    Avoid travel on or below slopes steeper than about 35 degrees where natural or human triggered roller balls are occurring. Avoid areas around large cornices, especially if they are dripping melt water. Cornice fall during warming conditions tends to have very low predictability and a high degree of uncertainty.

Avalanche Discussion

Natural and human triggered loose wet avalanches were noted in numerous locations around the forecast area yesterday on sun exposed slopes. Rapid warming conditions were noted in most areas yesterday. Exceptions existed, mainly on some of the higher elevation and more shaded north aspects where recent storm snow escaped entering into melt phase. Signs of a couple of recent wind slab avalanches most likely from Saturday with crowns to 3+ feet were reported. Little to no signs of ongoing wind slab instability were observed yesterday.  

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