Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected over the next 24 hours. Large avalanches may run through treed areas.  If attempting travel today in non-avalanche terrain, be certain that there are no steeper slopes connected to the terrain you are traveling, either above or to the side.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Widespread areas of unstable snow and numerous avalanches are expected today. Avalanches could be triggered from very low on the slope in some areas. Avalanches from above could travel down through treed terrain, often thought of as "safe" during storms. Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

    If attempting travel today in non-avalanche terrain, be certain that there are no steeper slopes connected to the terrain you are traveling, either above or to the side. Plan for extremely poor visibility of the surrounding terrain and challenging navigation. Anticipate that any organized rescue efforts may be significantly delayed or may not occur if you experience a mishap in the backcountry under these conditions.

    High intensity snowfall will fuel ongoing storm slab instability today. All avalanche terrain is suspect. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected over the next 24 hours. Where the additional new snow load is added above the weak, faceted (sugary) Feb 10 layer across NW-N-NE aspects, avalanches could break wider than expected or trigger from lower on the slope than expected. The Feb 10 layer is weakest in areas above about 7,500'.

    (2/16/2026)

    Avalanches that occurred yesterday were just the beginning. Larger avalanches and more dangerous conditions are expected today.

    Intentional skier triggered storm slab avalanche. The failure layer was the Feb 15 old/new snow interface. Castle Peak, Donner Summit area, CA

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Weak snow (near-surface facets) formed on many NW-N-NE aspects during the recent, extended dry spell. This weak layer was buried by new snow on Feb 10. Most areas have a thin rain crust along the top of the facet layer up to 8,600 to 8,800 ft. This weak layer is expected to reach the point of failure today in some areas. Weak layers, similar to the Feb 10 facet layer, have contributed to large avalanches and avalanche fatalities within our forecast area in the past.

Lower elevation areas and sun-exposed slopes experienced significant snowmelt over the past 3 weeks, exposing areas of dirt, rock, and downed trees.  These hazards and obstacles now lie hidden, covered by low density new snow. This creates a hazard situation similar to early season coverage in some areas.  Additionally, deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water are widespread in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'. 

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