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.
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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.
Use this page to view archived advisories. The table below shows the overall danger rating and the bottom line for the 20 most recent advisories. Click on the time and date link above each danger rating icon to view the full advisory for that day. Use the date chooser or the pager at the bottom to scroll through the older advisories.
Date the forecast was published:![]() |
Bottom Line | |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-07![]() |
April 7, 2017 at 7:01 HIGH avalanche danger exists in near and above treeline terrain with CONSIDERABLE danger in below treeline areas due to wind slabs and storm slabs. Natural and human triggered avalanches are very likely today. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry today. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-08![]() |
April 8, 2017 at 6:59 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Human triggered wind slab avalanches are likely on wind-loaded slopes and storm slab avalanches are possible in more sheltered locations. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Plan travel routes to avoid steep slopes where avalanche problems may exist. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. If areas receive more snow and higher snowfall rates than forecasted, more avalanche danger could exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-09![]() |
April 9, 2017 at 6:49 Considerable avalanche danger will exist at all elevations due to loose wet, wind slab, and wet slab avalanche problems. Full sun with Intense solar radiation and rapid warming will deteriorate the bonds within our recent storm snow. Widespread avalanches could occur with natural and human triggered avalanches likely. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-10![]() |
April 10, 2017 at 6:46 Very early this morning, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. From mid morning onwards, areas of MODERATE avalanche danger are expected at all elevations as loose wet avalanche problems develop in response to daytime warming. Instability will become increasingly widespread during the afternoon hours. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-11![]() |
April 11, 2017 at 6:47 Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger linger today above treeline due to the potential for yesterday's human triggered wind slab avalanche activity to continue. For near treeline and below treeline areas avalanche danger is LOW. Some areas with minor amounts of wet surface snow may exist today, but loose wet avalanche problems are not expected. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-12![]() |
April 12, 2017 at 6:52 For most of today, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Following arrival of the incoming storm, avalanche danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE during the evening and overnight hours at all elevations. Dangerous conditions will exist in the backcountry tonight and tomorrow with wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems expected. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-13![]() |
April 13, 2017 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations today due to wind slabs on wind-loaded slopes and possible storm slabs in more sheltered terrain. Human-triggered avalanches are possible today. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully to identify where avalanche problems may exist. Use this information to avoid areas with possible avalanche problems. If the storm ends earlier than forecasted and the sun comes out, rapid warming could accentuate these problems and also cause loose wet avalanche problems to form. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-14![]() |
April 14, 2017 at 6:55 Rapid warming caused by April sun and warm temperatures will cause the avalanche danger to rise to CONSIDERABLE today. Large human-triggered loose wet avalanches will be likely today if people venture onto slopes where wet snow exists. Natural loose wet avalanches will be possible. This warming will also weaken the lingering wind slabs making human-triggered wind slab avalanches possible. Avoid slopes where signs of warming or wet snow exist and slopes where wind slabs remain especially if they receive sunshine. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-15![]() |
April 15, 2017 at 7:00 The avalanche danger will increase to MODERATE today as sun and warmer temperatures cause more rapid warming. Human-triggered loose wet avalanches will be possible. Some natural loose wet avalanches may also be possible in a few areas. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches may remain possible in complex or extreme terrain or on wind-loaded slopes where rapid warming weakens wind slabs. Avoid slopes where signs of warming or wet snow exist and slopes where wind slabs remain especially if they receive sunshine. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-16![]() |
April 16, 2017 at 6:59 MODERATE avalanche danger continues today at all elevations. Uncertainly exists in regards to the degree of loose wet avalanche problems today as well as lingering wind slab avalanche problems. Conservative decision making and conservative terrain selection are advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-17![]() |
April 17, 2017 at 6:47 MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to a combination of wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches are possible today. Natural avalanches are unlikely but not impossible in isolated areas. Identify and avoid slopes where wind slab or loose wet avalanche problems may exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-18![]() |
April 18, 2017 at 6:52 MODERATE avalanche danger continues at all elevations due to ongoing wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches are possible today. Natural avalanches are unlikely but not impossible in isolated areas. Identify and avoid areas of potential wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems. A small chance exists that a rapid warming situation could occur this afternoon. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-19![]() |
April 19, 2017 at 7:00 As sun and warm temperatures cause rapid warming today, the avalanche danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE once last night's refreeze melts. Large human-triggered loose wet avalanches are likely today if people venture onto steep slopes where wet snow exists. Natural loose wet avalanches are possible. Some wet slab avalanches may also be possible today. The warming will weaken any lingering wind slabs keeping human-triggered wind slab avalanches possible today as well. Avoid slopes where wet snow or wind slabs exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-20![]() |
April 20, 2017 at 6:24 MODERATE avalanche danger exists today due to lingering wind slabs and loose wet avalanche problems that will form as the sun comes out and the day warms up. This afternoon's sunshine and warming may also weaken the lingering wind slabs. Human-triggered avalanches large enough to cause problems for backcountry travelers are possible today. Wet slab avalanches should remain unlikely today, but they are not impossible. Avoid slopes where wet snow or wind slabs exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-21![]() |
April 21, 2017 at 6:59 LOW avalanche danger this morning will rise to MODERATE avalanche danger as the day warms up. Loose wet avalanches will become possible again today on slopes where wet snow forms. While triggering a wind slab has become unlikely except in a few isolated places, cornice failures remain possible today especially as warming weakens the cornices. Avoid slopes where wet, unsupportable snow exists and complex or extreme terrain where isolated wind slabs may exist. Give all cornices a wide berth. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-22![]() |
April 22, 2017 at 6:47 LOW avalanche danger early this morning will increase to MODERATE avalanche danger in response to daytime warming as the day progresses. Areas of loose wet avalanche problems are expected to develop on all aspects at all elevations today. Cornice collapse may continue to occur today, presenting an additional hazard to backcountry travelers. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-23![]() |
April 23, 2017 at 6:43 MODERATE avalanche danger exists this morning due to the potential for loose wet and wet slab avalanche problems. In areas that received little to no snow surface refreeze last night these problems are possible beginning early this morning. In areas where a refreeze did occur these avalanche problems will develop as daytime warming occurs, accelerating once cloud cover clears from the area today. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain once wet surface snow begins to loose supportability. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-04-24![]() |
April 24, 2017 at 5:43 General Spring Avalanche Statement At the tail end of this historic winter, we have stopped issuing daily avalanche advisories for the 2016-2017 season. For more info explaining the chosen end date, click here. Avalanche activity will invariably occur this spring. Continued daily wet snow melt-freeze cycles and additional storm cycles will impact the forecast area. Some information and resources to aid in trip planning and decision making have been assembled on the advisory page. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-09-22![]() |
September 22, 2017 at 8:50 Thinking about winter? It's still early fall but the first dustings of snow are covering the peaks. Time to prep gear and further build avalanche knowledge for the upcoming winter. Daily avalanche advisories typically start in late Nov or Dec as the snowpack builds. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-10-18![]() |
October 18, 2017 at 17:20 Fall is progressing with periods of snow returning to the high peaks. Daily avalanche advisories typically start in late Nov or Dec as the snowpack builds. In the meantime, companion rescue practice, regional snow avalanche workshops, and online tutorials are a great way to engage the mind for the upcoming season. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-03![]() |
November 3, 2017 at 8:19 Early season conditions update #1 - Regular avalanche advisories will begin later this fall. Significant snowfall is expected to affect the forecast area this weekend. Natural and human triggered avalanches will be possible. Anyone participating in over snow travel in or near avalanche terrain needs to carry and properly use companion rescue gear a well as apply avalanche avoidance training. Stoke is high. Don't let it disrupt sound decision making. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-08![]() |
November 8, 2017 at 9:02 Early season conditions update #2 - Regular avalanche advisories will begin later this fall. Another storm system is expected to impact the forecast area Wednesday night and Thursday. Anyone participating in over snow travel in or near avalanche terrain needs to carry and properly use companion rescue gear a well as apply avalanche avoidance training. Mellow touring on snow covered forest roads is the best bet for on snow recreation at his time. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-13![]() |
November 13, 2017 at 15:50 Early season conditions update #3 - Regular avalanche advisories will begin later this fall. More storms are expected to impact the forecast area this week. Some isolated areas of a usable snowpack exist along the Sierra Crest in the northern portion of the forecast area. Anyone participating in over snow travel in or near avalanche terrain needs to carry and properly use companion rescue gear a well as apply avalanche avoidance training.
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-16![]() |
November 16, 2017 at 17:34 Early season conditions update #4 A deep slab avalanche problem has formed with human triggered avalanche activity in the Mount Rose portion of the forecast area. Feet of new snow continue to accumulate in some portions of the forecast area above 8,000' as the current storm progresses. Wind slab avalanche problems remain a concern area wide. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. Large destructive avalanches are possible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-18![]() |
November 18, 2017 at 6:28 Early season conditions update #5 Normal caution, focusing on best travel practices in or near avalanche terrain is appropriate for most of the forecast area. Ongoing concern for deep slab avalanches in the Mount Rose portion of the forecast area is decreasing, but not entirely gone. Large destructive avalanches are unlikely but not impossible in isolated areas. Uncertainly remains for terrain that matches the location of the deep slab avalanche problem. Do not underestimate potential avalanche size or consequences. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-20![]() |
November 20, 2017 at 6:50 Early season conditions update #6 Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast area with useable snow above 8000'. The potential exists for minor loose wet snow avalanches at all elevations today with the forecasted rain and above freezing temperatures. The ongoing deep slab avalanche problem in the Mt. Rose area continues to decrease, although some uncertainty continues for high elevation terrain. Practice safe travel protocols when in or near avalanche terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-22![]() |
November 22, 2017 at 6:23 Early season conditions update #7 A useable snowpack exists above 8000'. The potential exists for loose wet avalanches at all elevations with ongoing above freezing temperatures and light rain possible to 10,000' or higher on Thursday. Normal Caution is appropriate for travel in and around avalanche terrain throughout the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-26![]() |
November 26, 2017 at 8:03 Early season conditions update #8 Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcounrty. Rain, snow, and wind during the storm on Sunday and Monday could allow wind slabs, possible storm slab, or minor loose wet instabilities to form in some areas where enough snow accumulates. Near and above treeline terrain holds the best potential for these areas of instability especially in areas where significant wind-loading occurs. These instabilities should diminish during the week as the weather calms down. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-11-28![]() |
November 28, 2017 at 15:45 Early Season Conditions Update #9 Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast area when traveling in the backcountry. A useable snowpack of 2-3' exists above 8000' with generally safe avalanche conditions. Small wind slabs may exist or develop in wind loaded areas in near treeline and above treeline terrain through the week. Practice safe travel protocols when in or near avalanche terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-01![]() |
December 1, 2017 at 6:41 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Small wind slabs could form as winds increase today and tomorrow. Normal caution is appropriate for travel in and around avalanche terrain throughout the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-02![]() |
December 2, 2017 at 6:53 For the daylight hours today, LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations. Depending on new snowfall amounts, areas of MODERATE avalanche danger may form tonight. A wind slab avalanche problem is expected to develop as winds increase today and new snowfall arrives this evening. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-03![]() |
December 3, 2017 at 6:45 Moderate avalanche danger will exist today as additional snow accumulates with strong to gale force winds. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Wind slabs will be possible in near treeline and above treeline terrain. Storm slabs will be possible in near treeline and below treeline terrain in areas that receive the most storm snow. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify and avoid features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-04![]() |
December 4, 2017 at 6:45 Moderate avalanche danger will exist with human triggered avalanches possible. Wind slabs will continue to be a problem in near treeline and above treeline terrain due to recent and continuing strong to gale force winds. Identify where wind slabs exist and avoid steep wind loaded terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-05![]() |
December 5, 2017 at 6:49 MODERATE avalanche danger will continue to exist in near and above treeline terrain due to new wind slabs created by the strong NE winds and older wind slabs leftover from the recent storm. Human triggered avalanches remain possible. Identify where wind slabs exist and avoid steep wind-loaded terrain. Firm, scoured, or icy surfaces could also exist on exposed near and above treeline terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-06![]() |
December 6, 2017 at 6:40 MODERATE avalanche danger will continue in near and above treeline terrain due to the hard wind slabs created by the strong NE winds. While these hard slabs may be difficult to trigger, human-triggered avalanches remain possible today. Identify where wind slabs exist and avoid steep wind-loaded terrain. Firm, scoured, or icy surfaces where arresting a fall would be challenging also exist on exposed near and above treeline terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-07![]() |
December 7, 2017 at 6:48 MODERATE danger continues in near and above treeline terrain where hard wind slabs exist above older weaker snow. While these hard slabs may be difficult to trigger, human-triggered avalanches remain possible. If these slabs do break, they would likely fail above the trigger or after that person committed to the slope. Identify where wind slabs exist and avoid them. Firm or icy surfaces where arresting a fall would be challenging also exist on some exposed near and above treeline terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-08![]() |
December 8, 2017 at 6:46 Hard wind slabs continue to pose an avalanche problem leading to MODERATE avalanche danger in some near and above treeline areas. Below treeline, avalanche danger is LOW. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-09![]() |
December 9, 2017 at 6:54 Hard wind slabs continue to pose a difficult to trigger avalanche problem keeping MODERATE avalanche danger ongoing in some near and above treeline areas. Below treeline, avalanche danger is LOW. These near and above treeline wind slabs are very dense and could allow a person to travel well out onto the slab, becoming fully committed to the slope prior to avalanche occurrence. It is also plausible that several to numerous individuals could travel a slope before the snowpack fails. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-10![]() |
December 10, 2017 at 6:45 Avalanche danger is low throughout the forecast area. Hard wind slabs in isolated near treeline and above treeline terrain still remain a concern but have become unlikely. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-11![]() |
December 11, 2017 at 6:40 Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations. Isolated hard wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain represent an unlikely, but not impossible avalanche problem. Look for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-12![]() |
December 12, 2017 at 6:28 The avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations today. Some isolated hard wind slabs may still linger in near treeline and above terrain. Triggering these wind slabs has become unlikely, but not impossible for larger triggers or the right trigger on the right slope. Continue to watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-13![]() |
December 13, 2017 at 6:47 LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely but not impossible. Continue to assess the snowpack and terrain, and travel carefully in the backcountry. Watch for lingering unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-14![]() |
December 14, 2017 at 6:37 LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Continue to assess the snowpack and terrain, and travel carefully in the backcountry. Numerous exposed and barely covered obstacles still exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-15![]() |
December 15, 2017 at 6:50 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. On a regional scale, triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Signs of isolated, difficult to trigger instability linger near and above treeline. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-16![]() |
December 16, 2017 at 6:54 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. On a regional scale, triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Signs of isolated, difficult to trigger slab instability continue to show both above and below treeline. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-17![]() |
December 17, 2017 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region. Normal caution is advised. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features at all elevations . |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-18![]() |
December 18, 2017 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations. While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, you should still follow safe travel protocols when in and around avalanche terrain. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-19![]() |
December 19, 2017 at 6:56 LOW avalanche danger will continue today. While triggering an avalanche remains unlikely, following safe travel protocols when in and around avalanche terrain remains a prudent choice. A winter storm forecasted to move into the area tonight and tomorrow will cause the avalanche danger to increase tomorrow and human triggered wind slab and storm slab avalanches may become an issue. If the storm moves in faster than expected, the avalanche danger could increase tonight. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-20![]() |
December 20, 2017 at 6:58 Human triggered avalanches are possible today at all elevations. Some of these could involve enough snow to bury a person in areas where the most new snow accumulates. Today's avalanche problems include wind slabs, storm slabs, and loose dry avalanches. MODERATE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify areas where avalanche problems exist; and avoid those areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-21![]() |
December 21, 2017 at 6:58 MODERATE avalanche danger exists in near and above treeline terrain due to yesterday's lingering wind slabs and today's newly formed wind slabs. Small loose dry avalanches could also occur on steep slopes where loose unconsolidated surface snow exists in more sheltered terrain. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify areas where avalanche problems exist; and avoid those areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-22![]() |
December 22, 2017 at 6:55 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small wind slabs exist in a variety of locations near and above treeline with human triggering unlikely. Look for and identify isolated areas of potential instability. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-23![]() |
December 23, 2017 at 6:56 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely. Use the equipment and travel techniques associated with Normal Caution to help minimize the consequences of encountering an unexpected area of unstable snow. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-24![]() |
December 24, 2017 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger will continue throughout the forecast region at all elevations. Normal caution is advised. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. This forecast will be updated on Tuesday, December 26, by 7am. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-26![]() |
December 26, 2017 at 6:49 The avalanche danger remains LOW across the forecast area. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features especially in areas where small wind slabs exist on top of weaker snow. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-27![]() |
December 27, 2017 at 7:00 While avalanches remain unlikely in most areas, the avalanche danger has increased to MODERATE due to a stubborn persistent slab problem that exists in specific areas. Human triggered avalanches may be possible today in terrain where harder snow exists on top of a persistent weak layer of looser weaker snow. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify areas where slabs may exist on top of a persistent weak layer. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-28![]() |
December 28, 2017 at 6:40 While avalanches remain unlikely in most areas, the avalanche danger has increased to MODERATE due to a weakening snowpack allowing persistent slab problems to exist in specific areas. Human-triggered avalanches may be possible today in terrain with the right combination of a slab layer resting on top of a persistent weak layer of loose weak snow. This combination does not exist everywhere. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify where slabs may exist on top of a persistent weak layer. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-29![]() |
December 29, 2017 at 6:59 Avalanche danger is MODERATE for all elevations. Human triggered avalanches have become possible in isolated areas. Curious as to how the avalanche danger went from LOW to MODERATE without a storm? Read up on the terms faceted snow and persistent slab. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-30![]() |
December 30, 2017 at 6:51 Avalanche danger is MODERATE for all elevations. In isolated areas, the snowpack has weakened to the point that human triggered avalanches are now possible. Have a group discussion highlighting how managing a persistent slab avalanche problem is different from managing a wind slab avalanche problem. Adjust terrain selection and travel tactics accordingly. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-31![]() |
December 31, 2017 at 6:52 Moderate avalanche danger continues at all elevations due to a persistent slab avalanche problem as our existing snowpack continues to weaken over time. Human triggered avalanches are possible throughout the forecast region in isolated areas. Identify and avoid areas of concern. This avalanche advisory will be updated by 7am on Tuesday, January 2. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-02![]() |
January 2, 2018 at 6:52 While avalanche activity is unlikely in most areas, the snowpack continues to weaken and human-triggered persistent slab avalanches remain possible in isolated areas where a slab layer exists above loose weak sugary snow (facets). As a result, the avalanche danger remains at MODERATE at all elevations. Identify and avoid areas where a slab layer exists on top of the persistent weak layer of faceted snow. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-03![]() |
January 3, 2018 at 6:52 Avalanche activity will remain unlikely in most areas today except in isolated areas where a slab layer exists above loose weak snow (facets) where small isolated human-triggered persistent slab avalanches may be possible. As a result, the avalanche danger remains at MODERATE at all elevations. As rain and snow begin to fall this evening some loose wet instabilities may start to form during the night and some of those isolated persistent slabs may become easier to trigger. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-04![]() |
January 4, 2018 at 6:59 MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations today due to isolated persistent slabs in areas where a slab layer exists above loose weak snow and rain on snow creating loose wet instabilities. Human-triggered avalanches will be possible today. While most avalanches should remain small, the shallow snowpack and numerous exposed obstacles can provide large consequences for any size avalanche. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify where instabilities may exist and avoid those areas in favor of less steep slopes. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-05![]() |
January 5, 2018 at 7:01 MODERATE avalanche danger is increasing towards CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger at all elevations as rain and wet snow continue. Loose wet, persistent slab, and wind slab avalanche problems are a concern over the next 24 hours. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-06![]() |
January 6, 2018 at 6:59 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to a combination of loose wet, wind slab, and persistent slab avalanche problems. Intentionally choose terrain, evaluate slope aspect(s) for the presence or absence of avalanche problems, identify likely areas of triggering, and evaluate avalanche consequences in terms of potential size and down slope hazards. Determine how much you really know based on actual data vs what is a guess or pre-bias. If in doubt, make a more conservative choice. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-07![]() |
January 7, 2018 at 6:58 Moderate avalanche danger will exist today with wind slab and persistent slab avalanche problems. Human triggered wind slab avalanches will be possible in near and above treeline terrain. Persistent slab avalanches will continue to be possible at all elevations. Areas of concern exist on specific terrain features, evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Avalanche danger is expected to rise with the approaching storm on Monday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-08![]() |
January 8, 2018 at 7:00 As more snow, rain, and wind impact the forecast area over the next 24 hours, human-triggered avalanches will be likely and natural avalanches will be possible especially later today and during the night. Avalanche problems include persistent slabs, loose wet avalanches, and wind slabs. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations. Avalanches could involve enough snow to bury a person. Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist across the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-09![]() |
January 9, 2018 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists below 9000 ft. and human triggered avalanches will remain possible today due to lingering persistent slabs, loose wet instabilities, and some wind slab problems. In areas above 9000 ft. where more of the precipitation fell as snow and in areas that received the most snow accumulation CONSIDERABLE danger exists and some human triggered wind slabs or persistent slabs may be likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-10![]() |
January 10, 2018 at 6:55 Moderate avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area due to persistent slab and wind slab avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches are possible today. Persistent slab avalanches will be possible at all elevations and wind slab avalanches will be possible in near and above treeline terrain. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-11![]() |
January 11, 2018 at 6:48 Moderate avalanche danger continues due to a persistent slab avalanche problem. Human triggered avalanches remain possible at all elevations. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-12![]() |
January 12, 2018 at 6:57 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. On a regional scale, triggering an avalanche has become unlikely. Localized, isolated areas of instability may still exist where a human triggered persistent slab or wind slab avalanche could occur. Identify the specific avalanche problem that may exist in the desired area of travel and take appropriate steps to manage it. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-13![]() |
January 13, 2018 at 6:55 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. While avalanche activity on a regional scale has become unlikely, human triggered persistent slab avalanches remain a concern in isolated areas. Understanding if the avalanche problem does or does not exist within the snowpack on your terrain of interest should influence go/no go decision making much more than the regional scale danger rating. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-14![]() |
January 14, 2018 at 6:55 Triggering an avalanche has become unlikely on a regional scale; however, some unstable snow may still exist in isolated areas due to lingering persistent slab issues. Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Investigate the snowpack and determine if the area you want to travel in is one of those isolated places where the persistent slab problem may still linger. If so or if you don't have enough data for a clear answer, chose a different area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-15![]() |
January 15, 2018 at 6:57 The avalanche danger remains LOW. Triggering an avalanche remains unlikely on a regional scale. LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Unstable snow may still exist in isolated areas due to lingering persistent slabs. Investigate the snowpack and determine if the persistent slab problem may still linger in your chosen area. If so or if you don't have enough data for a clear answer, chose a different area. Avalanche danger should increase tomorrow as a small storm impacts the area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-16![]() |
January 16, 2018 at 6:58 While the avalanche danger should remain LOW today due to the minimal snow accumulation expected, unstable snow may still exist in isolated areas due to lingering persistent slabs or very small pockets of newly formed wind slabs. If observations indicate that an isolated area of unstable snow may exist, choose different terrain. If more snow falls than forecasted, larger avalanche problems could exist and the avalanche danger could increase to MODERATE. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-17![]() |
January 17, 2018 at 6:52 Low avalanche danger continues at all elevations throughout the forecast region. A persistent slab avalanche problem continues to exist in isolated areas in near treeline and below treeline terrain. Avalanche danger is expected to increase tomorrow as a strong winter storm impacts our area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-18![]() |
January 18, 2018 at 6:55 Low avalanche danger will continue to exist throughout most of the day. As the approaching winter storm impacts our region late this afternoon/evening, avalanche danger will begin to increase. By this evening, considerable avalanche danger will exist. Wind slab, storm slab, and persistent slab avalanche problems will become likely during the evening and overnight hours. Natural avalanche activity is likely and dangerous avalanche conditions will exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-19![]() |
January 19, 2018 at 6:59 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations in areas that held snow cover prior to last night's snowfall. A combination of wind slab, storm slab, and persistent slab avalanche problems exist. Very large avalanches could occur below treeline. Complex and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Powder fever could easily induce poor decision making today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-20![]() |
January 20, 2018 at 6:58 MODERATE avalanche danger exists near treeline and below treeline due to isolated areas of a persistent slab avalanche problem. Any isolated human triggered persistent slab avalanches could be large with significant consequences. Above treeline, avalanche danger is LOW. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-21![]() |
January 21, 2018 at 7:00 Lingering isolated areas of persistent slab avalanche problems will keep the avalanche danger at MODERATE in near and below treeline terrain. If an isolated human triggered persistent slab avalanche does occur, it could be large with significant consequences. Above treeline, avalanche danger is LOW. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-22![]() |
January 22, 2018 at 6:54 MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to newly formed wind slabs and unlikely but not impossible persistent slab avalanche problems lingering in isolated areas. In the unlikely event that an isolated human-triggered persistent slab avalanche does occur, it could be large with significant consequences. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-23![]() |
January 23, 2018 at 6:54 LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations, but LOW danger does not mean no danger. An isolated persistent slab avalanche problem may still linger in a few areas. In the unlikely event that an isolated human-triggered persistent slab avalanche does occur, it could be large with significant consequences. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-24![]() |
January 24, 2018 at 6:59 Moderate avalanche danger will exist for most of today due to a wind slab avalanche problem. Human triggered wind slabs will be possible in near treeline and above treeline terrain. After the onset of snowfall this afternoon, avalanche danger will quickly rise to considerable due to wind slab, storm slab, and deep persistent slab avalanche problems. Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-25![]() |
January 25, 2018 at 6:55 Considerable avalanche danger will exist today due to wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems. Wind slabs will be likely in near and above treeline areas. Storm slabs and deep slabs will be likely in near and below treeline areas. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are essential today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-26![]() |
January 26, 2018 at 6:45 MODERATE avalanche danger exists above and below treeline due to a combination of wind slab and persistent slab avalanche problems. Significant uncertainly exists regarding the persistent slabs due to a change in weak layer of concern, isolated distribution, and a lack of data. Do not let an absence of signs of instability below treeline create a sense of security that discounts the possibility of an isolated avalanche problem. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-27![]() |
January 27, 2018 at 6:56 Avalanche danger is MODERATE near treeline and above treeline where another round of wind slab formation is expected to have occurred last night. Below treeline avalanche danger is LOW where triggering an avalanche on a regional scale is unlikely but not impossible. Persistent slab and loose wet avalanche problems have a high degree of uncertainty today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-28![]() |
January 28, 2018 at 7:00 The avalanche danger remains MODERATE due to old and new wind slabs in near and above treeline terrain. Some loose wet avalanches may become possible as the day warms up. Unlikely but not impossible persistent slabs may also linger in below treeline areas, especially in the Carson Pass region. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-29![]() |
January 29, 2018 at 7:00 The avalanche danger remains MODERATE due to some wind slabs lingering in near and above treeline terrain and the potential for loose wet avalanches as the day warms up. Some isolated persistent slabs may also linger in some near and below treeline areas, especially in the Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass regions. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-30![]() |
January 30, 2018 at 7:00 As the day warms up, the avalanche danger will increase to MODERATE due to the potential for loose wet avalanches. A few isolated persistent slabs may also linger on some near and below treeline slopes, especially in the Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-31![]() |
January 31, 2018 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast region. Loose wet avalanches and persistent slab avalanches are unlikely today. Practice safe travel protocols and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-01![]() |
February 1, 2018 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area. Normal caution is advised. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-02![]() |
February 2, 2018 at 6:55 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Isolated areas of unstable snow will form today. Loose wet is the avalanche problem to look for and avoid. Slab avalanches are very unlikely today on a regional scale. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-03![]() |
February 3, 2018 at 6:51 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Isolated areas of unstable snow will form today. Loose wet is the avalanche problem to look for and avoid. Slab avalanches are very unlikely today on a regional scale. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-04![]() |
February 4, 2018 at 6:58 The avalanche danger will remain LOW today. Some small loose wet avalanche problems may still form on some isolated terrain features as the day warms up. Slab avalanches remain unlikely. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-05![]() |
February 5, 2018 at 6:58 LOW avalanche danger will exist at all elevations today. Daytime warming may allow some small loose wet avalanche problems to form on some isolated sun-exposed terrain features where snow coverage exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-06![]() |
February 6, 2018 at 6:56 The avalanche danger should remain LOW at all elevations today. Avalanche activity should remain unlikely. Some small loose wet instabilities may still form on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-07![]() |
February 7, 2018 at 6:45 Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area at all elevations. Normal caution is advised. As daytime warming occurs, small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-08![]() |
February 8, 2018 at 6:48 Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region at all elevations. Small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features as daytime warming occurs. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-09![]() |
February 9, 2018 at 6:45 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations. Minor loose wet instabilities may form in response to daytime warming. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-10![]() |
February 10, 2018 at 6:51 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. There are no specific avalanche problems of concern. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-11![]() |
February 11, 2018 at 6:57 The avalanche danger will remain LOW for all elevations today and avalanche activity will remain unlikely. Other hazards still exist in the backcountry. Continue to use normal caution during backcountry travel. |
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