Sierra Avalanche Danger “Considerable” as All Ski Resorts Remain Closed
The timing of Northern California’s most substantial winter storm has been poor, considering all the nearby ski resorts have closed due to the Coronavirus. With up to five feet of new snow sitting in the mountains, ski and snowboard junkies will certainly look for backcountry action to soothe their adrenaline cravings. But the Sierra Avalanche Center is asking everyone to use extreme caution as they raised the avalanche danger to “considerable” for all elevations on Monday.
Wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems are prevalent in the Sierra today, as officials plead mountain junkies to use caution following the winter storm.
“Continued instability of wind slabs formed yesterday and last night remains the major concern above treeline and near treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects,” the Sierra Avalanche Center explained on its website. “Avalanche size on these aspects is expected mostly at D2 with up to D3 possible today.”
“Specifically choose terrain and routes that give you options for avoiding avalanche terrain if storm slab instability is present.”
The representatives of the avalanche center took to Twitter to explain why the conditions are scary for avalanches:
— Sierra Avy Center (@sierraavalanche) March 16, 2020
If you choose to adventure out into the backcountry this week, use extreme caution and bring the proper avalanche equipment. Stay safe out there!