The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season posted on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.
Bottom Line
How to read the ForecastPre-Season
Snow has started to accumulate and the early season process of building the snowpack has begun. SAC will begin snowpack and weather observations this week, starting the season-long monitoring process. Now is the time to refresh your avalanche education and companion rescue skills.
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New snow amounts, generally in the 5 to 12 inch range have accumulated across the forecast area. This new snow has deposited on bare ground with minimal avalanche concerns expected. The isolated exception would be near ridgetops where wind drifted snow could have deposited deeper as a wind slab. If you head out into avalanche terrain, take your companion rescue gear (beacon, shovel, probe) just as you would mid winter. There is no reason to leave it behind, even if you are just traveling on foot.
There are some excellent online education opportunities available right now. A great place to start for a basic avalanche knowledge refresher or for the new user is the education section on avalanche.org. The California Avalanche Workshop went virtual this year with several great recorded talks available, targeted at a wide audience. Get out and practice with your companion rescue gear. Now is the time.
The SAC non-profit side of the program is working to adapt education events appropriately for the current times. SAC's schedule of Motorized Rescue, Level 1, and Level 2 courses is posted with info available here. The application process for avalanche course scholarships is open now through Nov 18th. More info on SAC's scholarships for both recreationists and professionals is listed here.
This avalanche forecast is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This forecast covers the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass on the north and Ebbetts Pass on the south. Click here for a map of the forecast area. This forecast applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This forecast expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this forecast is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.
For a recorded version of the avalanche forecast call (530) 587-3558 x258