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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Highlights

 As the day progresses, snow surface melt in areas of direct sun exposure will create loose wet avalanche problems. An increase to MODERATE avalanche danger will occur today at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Increased sunshine, well above freezing air temperatures, and decreased winds will all combine today to create increased snow surface melt. A loose wet avalanche problem will develop as the day progresses mainly on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. Avalanche size is expected mainly at D1 with up to size D2 possible. When more than a couple of inches of surface wet snow is present, anticipate loose wet avalanches.

    Pay particular attention to areas that remain a transitional mix of wet snow over drier snow. These are the areas most capable of creating a size D2 avalanche, especially if a long vertical run is possible. Also consider how hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, or terrain traps below may greatly increase the consequences of an otherwise small and inconsequential avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area) and in the Emerald Bay Chutes reported highly variable snow surface conditions. In many areas, the most recent new snow remains transitional, not having gone through a sufficient number of melt-freeze cycles to assimilate with the older rain crust and melt-freeze snow beneath it. Snow surface melt was noted yesterday at mid and lower elevations. At mid and upper elevations, numerous areas of very firm snow surfaces interspersed with small, shallow wind slabs exist.

Regions covered