General Avalanche Information Central Sierra Nevada

Ahead of the expected snowfall Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, the existing snowpack is limited in distribution. It exists mostly across NW-N-NE aspects above 7,500' to 8,500' depending on location within the forecast area. It is very shallow at just 4 to 10 inches in wind protected areas. Deeper areas up to 2 to 3 feet exist in isolation in specific locations where wind drifted snow has deposited. The snowpack is expected to increase in depth with new snow accumulation Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.

Recent warm cloudy nights, rain on snow, and wet new snow have increased the moisture content of old, sugary (faceted) snow near the base of the snowpack. This increase in moisture content is expected to increase the strength of this weaker snow over time.  Currently there is a high degree of uncertainty due to limited data and unknowns about how fast strength increases will occur before new snow loading provides more stress on this weak layer Saturday night into Sunday.

What does all this mean? Avalanches could occur in places were wind drifted snow has or will deposit into a cohesive slab. Increased concern exists for upper elevation locations above 8,800' to 9,000' on NW-N-NE aspects where new snow has and will continue to drift in and load on top of relatively weaker old snow. Getting caught in even a small avalanche right now means an almost certain chance of hitting rocks. Season ending injury or worse are outcomes well within the realm of possibility.

Look for and identify areas where wind drifted snow has filled in terrain, creating areas where the snow is substantially deeper than in the surrounding wind protected areas. Consider avoiding these areas due to the high level of uncertainty and potential of increased consequences.