Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Moderate avalanche danger will continue due to potential wind slab development.  These wind slabs will be possible in near treeline and above treeline terrain on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  Low avalanche danger continues in all below treeline terrain.  Identify and avoid areas where wind slabs may exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs will be possible on S-SW-W-NW-N aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  E winds have been in the strong range with gale force gusts starting yesterday afternoon and through the evening above 8000'.  E winds are forecasted to continue today but will begin to decrease into the afternoon. 

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, wind pillows, and snow surface scouring as clues to where wind slabs may exist.  Pay attention to gully features that may have been cross loaded by the recent E winds.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received from Mt. Rose and from Flagpole Peak (Echo Summit area).  Both areas showed a right side up snowpack that has continued to consolidate and settle.  Both areas also had wind scouring and wind transport from the previous W winds.  On Mt. Rose, small wind slabs and cornices were developed on NE-E-SE aspects.  Large cornice chucks were dropped onto test slopes with no signs of cohesive wind slabs present.  At both locations, the current NE/E winds were not strong enough at the time to transport snow although plenty of low density surface snow still existed for wind transport.  Sun crusts and denser surface snow was observed on slopes receiving sun over the last couple days.

Regions covered