Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet loose avalanches are today's avalanche concern. Some cloud cover overnight may have contributed to a weaker snow surface refreeze. Consider exiting avalanche terrain once the snow surface begins to lose supportability, becomes mushy, or foot penetration into the snow surface approaches boot top deep. There is a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly over the south end of the forecast area.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Cloud cover may have weakened last night's snow surface refreeze. Air temperatures remained above freezing last night in nearly all areas, making any snow surface refreeze reliant on radiational cooling of the snowpack. Cloud cover disrupts this refreeze process. Conditions conducive to wet, loose avalanches may develop earlier today due to a weaker refreeze.

    Anticipate that last night's refreeze might be thinner, weaker, and melt more quickly today. Pay attention to the terrain and changes in conditions as you travel. Clues like sinking into boot-top deep wet snow, roller balls, a loss of supportability at the snow surface, and wet snow sluffs indicate that conditions are prime for backcountry travelers to trigger wet loose avalanches. Once the snow feels wet and mushy, it's time to exit avalanche terrain.

    Cornice fall remains a lingering concern in some areas. In locations where large and overhung cornices exist along ridgelines, they will continue to melt, weaken, and possibly collapse.

    The snow surface will lose supportability as the crust formed overnight on the snow surface melts away. Once the crust melts enough to expose the residual wet snow below that does not refreeze overnight, larger wet loose avalanches are possible.

    (4/17/2024) Open E aspect slope near 8,000' on Andesite Peak, Donner Summit, CA.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

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