Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

Highlights

In below treeline terrain, Low avalanche danger will quickly rise to Moderate avalanche danger as daytime warming occurs and loose wet avalanche activity becomes possible.  Low avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline terrain through the day.  Avoid traveling in areas below large cornices and glide cracks.  Avalanche danger is expected to rise tonight and tomorrow as the next incoming storm impacts our area.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Another similar day is expected with a marginal refreeze overnight, partly cloudy conditions and moderate to strong SW winds.  As daytime warming occurs, loose wet avalanches will become possible in below treeline terrain, wind protected areas, and slopes below around 8000' on all aspects.  Open areas above 8000' are expected to have a better overnight refreeze of the snow surface.  Increasing SW winds should also delay snow surface melt in wind exposed areas. 

    If the snow becomes wet and unsupportable in your area, it's time to change aspects to where colder snow exists.  Terrain traps, such as gullies, can magnify the consequences of even small loose wet activity.  Avoid traveling below large cornices and glide cracks.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received from Genoa Peak (East Shore area), Negro Canyon (Donner Summit area), and Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area).  Generally warmer conditions with less cloud cover through our area than forecasted leading to more solar radiation and wet snow.  SE/S aspects above 8000' on Stevens Peak had a good snow surface refreeze with corn snow conditions through the midday.  Strong SW winds in this area were delaying snow surface melt.  Wind protected areas, below treeline terrain, and terrain below 8000', all showed poor refreeze conditions with wet and unsupportable snow starting in the late morning hours.  Small skier triggered loose wet activity occurred at Negro Canyon and Stevens Peak.

Regions covered