Central Sierra Nevada

Problemi valanghivi

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta quota
  • Limite del bosco
  • Sotto il limite del bosco

  Probabilità

  Likely

  Dimensione

  2–3

  Cohesive slabs of wind drifted snow and slabs of new snow have formed on top of old, weak snow, resulting in dangerous avalanche conditions. These slabs have been stubborn to trigger in some locations, but the consequences of becoming caught in an avalanche remain quite significant. The snowpack structure is poor in many areas near treeline and below treeline, especially across W-NW-N-NE-E aspects. The largest, most concerning avalanches reported from the storm cycle thus far have occurred in below treeline areas. Avalanches triggered today could easily fail wider than expected. People might trigger them from below the slope, low on the slope, or while approaching a slope from the side.

  Today's travel advice is either simple or complex, depending on your risk tolerance.  If you are looking for a low risk outing, avoid traveling in, near, or below avalanche terrain. Stick to low angle, non-avalanche terrain slopes without steeper slopes above or to the side. There are lots of these areas to choose from.

  If you are committed to traveling in avalanche terrain today and taking on a higher level of risk, plan carefully. Choose routes where you can make your ascent without exposure to avalanche terrain. This includes lower angle locations that are threatened by connected avalanche terrain, either from above or from the side. Choose descent routes that reduce or ideally eliminate exposure to down slope hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, or terrain traps such as depressions or creek beds that would increase burial depth. Snow surface conditions are not particularly good out there right now, making the risk vs. reward balance tilted in an undesirable direction.