Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will quickly rise to CONSIDERABLE danger this morning at all elevations as new wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems develop. Anticipate areas of unstable snow both above and below treeline today. Snowpack instability is expected to increase rapidly. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    New snow and SW wind will create a new round of wind slabs today. High intensity snowfall combined with ideal wind speeds for slab formation will allow this avalanche problem to form quickly this morning. The vast majority of wind slabs will be found near treeline and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Wind slabs will exist to a lesser degree on other aspects and in isolated wind exposed areas below treeline. Avalanches large enough to bury a person (size D2) will be possible today.

    Identify and avoid areas of recently wind drifted snow, especially below ridgelines near cornice features and wind pillows as well as in cross loaded gullies. Mentally process and talk within your group about evidence vs uncertainly. If data to support travel in avalanche terrain is sparse and uncertainly lingers, avoid avalanche terrain. Have fun on lower angle slopes.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    High intensity snowfall this morning will create a fresh round of storm slabs today on all aspects in wind protected areas near treeline and below treeline. Avalanches large enough to bury a person (size D2) will be possible today. Colder air temperatures my slow the rate of stabilization.

    As new snow accumulates this morning, adjust route finding both uphill and downhill to avoid exposure to steeper and/or more consequential terrain. This includes slope scale micro features and terrain traps below.

Avalanche Discussion

* No new reports of avalanches from the past 24 hours.

* Friday's observations made and received from Frog Lake Cliffs (Carson Pass area), Grouse Rock (Ward Canyon area), and Relay Peak (Mount Rose area) indicate that the existing snowpack is in good condition to handle new snow loading.

* The deepest snowpack with good coverage exists along the Sierra Crest above 7,500'. Areas of shallow snowcover with ongoing concerns for hitting rocks, etc remain at lower elevations as well as along the eastern portion of the forecast area at all elevations.

Regions covered