Extremely Dangerous Avalanche Conditions Across the Sierra Today

Backcountry travel in the Sierra Nevada is strongly discouraged today as avalanche danger reaches extremely hazardous levels, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.

Forecasters warn that travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended due to a very high likelihood of avalanches. Unstable snow exists both above and below treeline, with storm slab avalanches triggered intentionally and unintentionally by skiers on Wednesday. Avalanche sizes are expected to be larger today as heavy snowfall and strong winds continue to rapidly load slopes.

Wind-drifted snow along ridgelines, gullies, and leeward slopes is of particular concern, but instability is also expected in wind-protected areas where snowfall is accumulating faster than it can stabilize. Snow levels briefly rose to around 7,000 feet overnight, potentially creating a weak density layer within the storm snow that could further increase avalanche potential.

Snowpack depths vary widely across the Sierra, with 3 to more than 6 feet of snow above 8,000 feet, while lower elevations still contain numerous hidden hazards such as rocks, logs, and open creeks.

The avalanche center notes that while some non-avalanche terrain does exist, it requires very careful planning—specifically sticking to slopes under 30 degrees that are not connected to steeper terrain. Visibility is extremely limited, rescue response would likely be slow, and even well-prepared travelers face elevated risk.

For most recreationists, officials say today is a day to stay out of the backcountry entirely and wait for conditions to improve.