General Avalanche Information Central Sierra Nevada

Along the Sierra Crest above about 7,500' there are 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground across NW-N-NE aspect terrain. This snow cover is weakening via the faceting process, as is usually the case in a shallow early season snowpack. While many rocks still stick up through this layer, the snow cover is continuous and a concern for future avalanche problems. Currently, there is not a problematic slab on top of the weak snow. This is keeping avalanche concerns to a minimum on a regional scale. Melt has led to large areas of bare ground across much of the SE-S-SW aspect terrain. 

There are certainly some pockets of wind drifted snow out there. If an avalanche were to occur anywhere within the forecast area at this time, a slope with wind drifted snow on it is where it would occur. Any slopes that look more filled in with snow than the surrounding slopes are the locations of concern. Identify these areas and approach them with caution or avoid them altogether. Getting caught in even a small avalanche right now carries increased consequences from hitting hit rocks, logs, trees, etc which could easily lead to season ending injuries.

The next storm system to bring precipitation to the forecast area is expected Nov 15 – 18. Very little in the way of new snowfall is expected. Most portions of the forecast area are likely to receive 1 to 3 inches of new snow with snow level in the 7,000' to 7,800' range. What precipitation that does fall is expected to heavily favor the Sierra Crest. The far southern end of the forecast area has the best chance of picking up the greatest amounts of new snow.

We will have all our staff back on the job this week. We will be making field observations on a regular basis in order to closely track our developing snowpack. We expect to reach full operational status on our normal schedule in the coming weeks. Daily avalanche forecasts will resume once the snowpack conditions warrant it.