Central Sierra Nevada

Problèmes avalancheux

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Very Likely

  Taille

  2

  Continued snowfall and gale force SW winds are drifting snow and keeping the wind slab avalanche problem ongoing. The vast majority of wind slabs exist near treeline and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Wind slabs may be encountered to a lesser extent on other aspects or in below treeline areas due to the strength of the wind and amount of recent snowfall. Avalanche size up to D3 is expected (could bury a car, destroy a house, or break a few trees).

  Be aware of the potential for avalanches from above running down into lower angle treed areas. Route plan carefully, anticipating low visibility obscuring overhead avalanche start zones when avoiding travel below avalanche terrain.

• 

  Loose Dry

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Likely

  Taille

  1

  Storm slab avalanches remain likely from high intensity snowfall and varying snow crystal types (including graupel) creating weak layers within the new snow. Storm slabs form in wind protected areas mainly near and below treeline and may be encountered on any aspect. Avalanche size up to D2 is expected (could bury or injure a person).

  Route plan carefully to avoid avalanche terrain. If areas of questionable slope steepness are encountered during travel, use an inclinometer to measure slope angle in order to assist in data based decision making. Allow a margin for error. Be aware of the potential for steeper slopes above.