Skier caught in avalanche on Mt. Tallac

The Sierra Avalanche Center is reporting a skier-triggered avalanche in "The Cross" on Mt. Tallac Saturday. A group of eight skiers had been in the area about 11:00 a.m. and they skied the main entrance to the cross with some wet, loose snow activity observed.

Then, a group of two skiers went to the top of the mountain to descend into "The Cross." The first skier made several turns into the slope which released a slab avalanche.

The unidentified skier was carried approximately 800 feet downslope, past trees and over rocks. The avalanche debris then continued to run downslope further according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.

The person sustained unknown injuries along with a broken ski and lost equipment.

The avalanche was at the 9500 foot level and was about 1,000 feet in length.

Rapid warming and loose wet avalanches have been reported in the backcountry this weekend and warnings are in the moderate range. "Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes and areas below cornices," said the warning on the Sierra Avalanche Center's website. "As new snow begins to accumulate this afternoon, look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows. Make a plan to avoid slopes that are being actively wind loaded."

Other areas to watch for besides Mt. Tallac are Donner Summit, Echo Summit and Mt. Rose areas.