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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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists this morning while the snow surface is frozen and supportable. As daytime warming progresses, MODERATE avalanche danger will develop at all elevations as the snow surface melts and a loose wet avalanche problem develops. Please note that this is the last avalanche forecast for the 2018-2019 season.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A decent snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night, especially at the mid and upper elevations. Air temperatures were below freezing last night in nearly all locations. Warming will be slightly more gradual today, but air temperatures are expected to warm above freezing.  A loose wet avalanche problem is expected to develop today on all aspects at all elevations once the frozen snow surface melts away. Avalanche size is expected mostly at D1 with up to size D2 possible.

    Continually monitor the snow surface conditions and melt rate as you travel. Once the snow surface melts enough that deep or unsupportable wet snow is encountered, it is time to exercise lower angle route options in order to minimize exposure to the loose wet avalanche hazard. 

Avalanche Discussion

* Yesterday, little to no refreeze was reported in most areas. By late morning, conditions were conducive to loose wet avalanches in many areas.

* Loose wet avalanche conditions have existed daily.

* Air temperatures dropped below freezing last night for the first time in several nights.

* Snowpack instability is expected to occur near the surface with the deeper snowpack generally well consolidated.

Regions covered