Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

High Avalanche Danger will exist today as heavy snowfall with gale force winds impact our forecast region.  Wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems will become very likely today in near treeline and above treeline terrain where previous snow cover existed.  Considerable Avalanche danger will exist in below treeline terrain at lower elevations with minimal previous snow cover.  Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist today, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs will be very likely today due to high snowfall rates and gale force SW winds.  Wind slabs will be most likely on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillow development.  Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended. 

    Early season conditions exist.  An avalanche of any size through rocks, bushes, and/or obstacles could have severe consequences.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain and runout zones below avalanche terrain. 

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Storm slabs will become likely during peak snowfall rates throughout the day.  Storm slabs could exist on all aspects in near and below treeline terrain in areas that had existing snow cover.  Heavy snowfall rates of over 2'' an hour could overcome the bonding of the new storm snow.

    Early season conditions exist.  An avalanche of any size through exposed rocks, bushes, and/or obstacles could have severe consequences.  Travel in and around avalanche terrain is not recommended today.    

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations from Castle Peak yesterday showed a well bonded snowpack with no layers of concern.  Cornices were building out on ridges in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Most starting zones above 8000' had uniform coverage.

* Recent observations from the Carson Pass, Echo Summit, Donner Pass, and Mount Rose areas all indicate that the snowpack is in good condition to handle new snow loading in the vast majority of areas.

* The existing snowpack is mostly usable along the Sierra Crest above 7500'.  Below 7500' and along the Carson Range to the east, the snowpack is borderline usable.  Many obstacles like rocks, bushes, logs, and open water, still exist.

Regions covered