Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Cold temperatures and strong NE winds today should limit the amount of wet snow formation with many areas remaining firm.  Sun exposed slopes in wind protected low to mid elevation areas will have the most wet surface snow develop.  If you encounter deeper wet snow, move to a different aspect or away from avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Cold temperatures and NE winds should limit most wet snow instabilities today.  Sun exposed slopes with wind protection at the mid to lower elevations are expected to have the most wet surface snow develop.  If you experience any areas with deep or unsupportable wet snow, move to a different aspect or away from avalanche terrain.

    A strong refreeze occurred overnight with cold temperatures and clear skies.  Continued cold temperatures and NE winds today will limit snow surface softening to sun exposed slopes with wind protection at mid to lower elevations.  Sun exposed areas around rock outcrops, gully features, or cliffs, may experience increased snow surface melt.  Strong to gale force NE winds on wind exposed slopes and at upper elevations are expected to keep snow surfaces firm all day with potential challenging travel conditions.   

Avalanche Discussion

The recent rain and warm weather have melted a significant amount of snow on all aspects below 7,500' and on southerly aspects at all elevations. Some locations now exhibit large swaths of bare ground. In areas with more snow cover, deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water exist in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'.

Regions covered