Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanche activity has become unlikely today throughout the forecast region . Unlikely does not mean impossible, so keep assessing the snow and terrain and look for isolated pockets of unstable snow.  Change your travel plans if you see any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions.

Normal caution

Triggering an avalanche should be unlikely today.  Unstable snow could remain on isolated terrain features at higher elevations where wind blown snow has accumulated during the past week of gale force winds.  Look for any signs of unstable snow, like snow surface cracking, wind pillows, or dense firm snow over softer snow.  Be prepared to change plans if signs of unstable snow are present. 

Observations and data from around the forecast area show a snowpack that is gaining strength and consolidating.  Recent gale force winds that ended on Friday evening have left wind scoured snow surfaces at 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 more wind protected below treeline terrain.  Snow surface conditions have begun to transition on some slopes with increased sun and temperatures.  Better snow quality will remain on more shaded wind protected aspects.

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.