Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Firm icy surfaces on exposed slopes and variable conditions on sheltered slopes will represent today's main concerns for backcountry travelers. Significant avalanche activity should remain unlikely due to the limited amount of new snow that accumulated. LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    1 to 3 inches of cold new snow resting on firm snow surfaces should result in "dust on crust" conditions on sheltered slopes. Hard icy surfaces will exist on more exposed slopes as a result of wind scouring by strong SW and NE winds. While a small sluff of loose dry snow or a very small and isolated slab of wind drifted snow may not be impossible, long sliding falls on firm slopes and challenging travel conditions on sheltered slopes could pose greater risks to backcountry travelers than avalanche activity today.

    Travel using normal caution in the backcountry. Assess terrain and conditions and build a travel plan with appropriate safety margins. Maintain active communication as you travel to make sure that your group stays within their abilities in these potentially firm and challenging conditions. Dialing the slope angle down can ease travel challenges and make the "dust on crust" conditions feel softer and less crusty.

Avalanche Discussion

* Yesterday north of Donner Summit near White Rock Lake, snowmobilers reported "dust on crust" conditions with about 1 inch of new snow by the afternoon. 

* On Elephants Hump near Carson Pass yesterday, skiers reported 1-2 inches of new snow on top of surface crusts. Observers also saw some softer weaker snow just below the surface crust.

* In the Mt. Rose backcountry, observers found variable firm conditions on Chickadee Ridge and Incline Lake Peak yesterday morning. Snowfall started in this area around 11 am. 

 

Regions covered