General Avalanche Information Central Sierra Nevada

The existing snowpack throughout the forecast region is around 1 to 2 feet deep, mainly on NW-N-NE aspects above 8000'.  Previous NE wind events have scoured most wind exposed terrain down to dirt, rock, or basal ice layers.  This has removed most of the areas where a denser wind blown slab could have existed on top of the weaker faceted snow near the base of the snowpack.   Snow surface conditions are variable with exposed rain crust, breakable crusts, and soft near surface facets with varying levels of snow surface supportability.

The recent clear and cold weather is expected to continue this week.  These conditions have continued the faceting process throughout our shallow snowpack creating layers of weak sugary snow near the base and on the surface of the snowpack.  Concerns exist that these weak layers could cause failure with future storm loading events in near and below treeline areas that have snow coverage with limited previous wind scouring.  We will continue to monitor these layers as more unsettled weather with forecasted snow is expected this week.  

Early season conditions exist with a shallow snowpack.  Many obstacles are present like rocks, bushes, downed trees, open water, etc. with a high chance of colliding with some of these hazards.  If you are traveling on snow for recreation, you should come up with a daily plan based on the current conditions and carry your normal backcountry kit including avalanche rescue gear (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel).

Daily avalanche forecasts will begin on Wednesday November 29.