Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems as another warm storm impacts our forecast area starting this afternoon.  Human triggered avalanche activity remains possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Reactive wind slabs could still exist on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Increasing S/SW winds today along with additional snow starting this afternoon will create new wind slabs in wind exposed areas.  Warming and/or rain during the storm could make wind slab avalanches easier to trigger as they could take on wet slab characteristics.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows.  Large cornices exist throughout the forecast area along exposed ridges and could pose travel concerns.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As this next storm impacts our area, warming conditions with the possibility of rain could make loose wet avalanches possible on all aspects in near and below treeline terrain.  Most of this loose wet activity should be in the form of roller balls, but larger avalanches that involve more snow could be possible in isolated areas.  If rain levels go higher than forecasted, more widespread avalanche activity would be expected.

    Terrain hazards like rocks, trees, or cliffs, could increase the consequences of being caught in even a small loose wet avalanche.  Small roller ball activity or pinwheels may be a precursor to larger loose wet avalanches to come.

Avalanche Discussion

*  A skier triggered avalanche occurred in Crater Bowl on Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area) yesterday.  Avalanche was reported as a D2, on a NE slope at 9500', and ran 1000' downslope.

*  Multiple recent avalanches reported from Carson Pass and Echo Pass that occurred on Sunday during warming conditions.  These avalanches occurred on multiple aspects and elevations and had wet slab/loose wet characteristics.

*  Warming was limited yesterday in many areas due to cloud cover and light winds. 

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