Central Sierra Nevada

Some minor areas of blowing snow occurred at higher elevations over the past 24 hours. Some very small and isolated areas of unstable snow might exist in the upper elevations, mainly in complex or extreme terrain. Adjust your travel plans if you encounter signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions.

Normal caution

Winds out of the east produced blowing snow yesterday afternoon over the highest peaks, with stronger wind speeds last night. Any new wind slab development today is expected to be very small, isolated, and not extend very far down slope. For most areas of terrain, this is unlikely to create a problem. The exception is for complex or extreme terrain where a very small avalanche can lead to a fall that carries a person over a cliff, into rocks, etc. causing significant injury. Be prepared to change plans if you see signs of unstable snow such as snow surface cracking or encounter any other unexpected conditions.

Observations and data from around the forecast area show a snowpack that is gaining strength and consolidating. Most wind exposed locations have been thoroughly scoured, with little available snow remaining for wind transport. Recent gale force winds have left wind scoured snow surfaces at the upper elevations. These near and above treeline areas are highly variable with firm wind board, dense wind slab, large uneven wind features, and areas scoured down to firm rain crust. Softer snow with improved travel conditions can be found in shaded, wind protected terrain below treeline.

Snow surface conditions have begun to transition on some slopes in response to warming. Thin, often breakable sun and melt-freeze crusts have developed on sun exposed slopes. Small amounts of surface wet snow are forming each day in response to daytime warming. A few roller balls may occur, but actual wet loose avalanches are unlikely. Some deep cracks might open up behind large cornices during this warm spell.

Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area. These deep holes and open creek areas are especially prominent below 8,000' in low lying areas, but have been observed at higher elevations.