Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely but not impossible. Continue to assess the snowpack and terrain, and travel carefully in the backcountry. Watch for lingering unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Triggering an avalanche has become unlikely. Unlikely does not mean impossible and some unstable snow may still remain in a few isolated areas especially in steep complex terrain or on unsupported near and above treeline NW aspects where hard wind slabs linger. Very large triggers like several people on a slope or large cornice pieces dropped onto a slope may still be able to trigger some of these isolated hard slabs. While the avalanche danger may have decreased, other hazards like numerous exposed obstacles and widespread firm icy surfaces still remain. Travelling in sheltered non-wind-affected terrain where softer snow still exists or on snow-covered sun-exposed terrain where spring-like conditions exist should provide safer and more enjoyable conditions today. 

Avalanche Discussion

* Snow coverage is deepest above 8000' in areas north of Emerald Bay.  Minimal snow coverage exists below 8000'.  In the southern part of the forecast area, less snow exists. Below 8500' snow coverage remains patchy in the southern part of the forecast area. Above 8500 ft. a deeper but highly variable snowpack exists.  Snow coverage is decreasing on southerly aspects at higher elevations. 

* Spring-like snow conditions prevail on southerly sun-exposed terrain where snow coverage exists.

* Widespread firm, wind scoured snow surfaces remain on most near and above treeline terrain.

* Variable snow surfaces ranging from softer snow to firm surfaces exist on sheltered near and below treeline northerly terrain.

* Tests targetting the isolated hard wind slabs lingering on a few NW aspects started to yield inconsistent results this week.

Regions covered