Avalanche risks remain high in California after deaths of skiers

Forecasters predict more snow in Sierra Nevada mountains as climate crisis increases threat of dangerous conditions.

Avalanche risks remain high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of northern California this week, following the deadliest snowslide the region has seen in modern times.

The climate crisis has set the stage for more dangerous conditions, with sharper swings between dry periods and severe storms, according to experts, who have long warned that extremes will amplify as the world warms.

High temperatures have caused a record-low snowpack in the region, and the snow drought that has caused concern across the western US this winter has left the slopes lacking thick, frozen layers that fresh snow can adhere to. Strong storms pummeled the Sierra this week, blanketing the previously barren peaks. UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab measured more than 92in (234cm) in snowfall in the past seven days.

While the return of winter weather was welcome news for water managers who have been anxiously eyeing low totals, it prompted more strong warnings from avalanche forecasters.

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