Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Some areas of unstable wet snow may exist today following marginal refreeze conditions last night and a period of rapid warming this morning. Move cautiously around avalanche terrain in areas where wet surface snow exists. Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and warrant consideration in your travel plan.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The best snow surface refreeze conditions last night occurred above about 9,000', where air temperatures were near to below freezing. For locations below about 9,000', air temperatures were in the 30s with some cloud cover, making for marginal refreeze conditions. Wet loose avalanches remain a concern today on all aspects, especially in areas where a poor overnight refreeze occurred. Some rain below 7,000' today could add water to the snow surface.

    A short period of rapid warming is expected this morning ahead of increasing cloud cover and light precipitation. In places where the snow starts feeling wet and mushy, it's time to exit avalanche terrain. Sinking into boot-top deep wet snow or triggering roller balls and pinwheels often indicate that wet loose avalanches could occur.

    (4/10/2024)

    This north aspect of The Nipple avalanched shortly before 11am on April 10th.  Although not big enough to bury a person, it was close (D1.5). South Carson Pass area, CA

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Unstable wind slabs are generally unlikely today. There is a slight chance that a small wind slab could form today in an area where a thunderstorm deposits a quick couple of inches of snowfall. Ridgetop winds are strong enough today to drift and deposit snow. If you travel through an area where measurable new snow exists on the snow surface, look for small wind slabs and snow surface cracking on the downwind side of ridgetops. Consequences from any small wind slabs that actually form will be a factor of being pushed into downslope hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, etc.

    (4/07/2024)

    Some minor cracking associated with potential wind slab instability. This slab was undercut before cracking. Red Lake Peak, CA

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

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