Central Sierra Nevada

Problemi valanghivi

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilità

  Possible

  Dimensione

  2–3

  No new avalanches have been reported since Monday. Since then, a few snowpack tests have produced unstable results, but most tests and observations across the forecast area show a strengthening trend in the snowpack. Trigging a persistent slab avalanche is becoming unlikely in most places. Still, it may remain possible in a few spots, especially where the weak layer is closer to the surface or particularly weak. If one of these avalanches does occur, it would be very large and have dire consequences. 

  Most people will not see any evidence of the persistent slab problem today, nor will they experience obvious clues like cracks or whumpfing. Still, a small chance remains that an isolated, large, unexpected avalanche on a seemingly stable slope could occur. 

  Patience and managing terrain to provide a good safety margin around this increasingly unlikely problem still makes sense due to lingering uncertainty and the potential consequences. You can do this by choosing SE-S-SW aspects where this avalanche problem does not exist or sub-30-degree terrain with no other steeper connected terrain above or to the side. If you go into areas where this problem might linger, reduce your exposure as much as possible.  Travel one at a time, limit time in avalanche terrain, and regroup in safe zones away from potential run-out areas. 

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilità

  Possible

  Dimensione

  1–2

  Wet snow will form in sun-exposed areas due to less overnight refreeze and sunny and warm weather today. Roller balls, pinwheels, and small wet snow sluffs may occur on many slopes. Enough wet snow may form on the sunniest slopes to cause more substantial wet, loose problems. Long, steep slopes can produce larger, wet loose avalanches because they entrain more snow as they move downhill. 

  Traveling on less steep terrain represents one way to enjoy soft, wet snow and reduce exposure to this problem. Another way involves timing your travel to exit the area before the snow gets too mushy and wet. Roller balls, pinwheels, and sinking into deep, wet snow when you step off your equipment are all clues that enough wet snow exists for wet loose avalanches.