Central Sierra Nevada
Lawinengefahr
Kernpunkte
Unsettled weather enters our area today bringing colder temperatures, increased winds, and the chance of snow. LOW avalanche danger will exist as cooler conditions limit rapid warming and melt of the snow surface. Normal caution is advised if traveling in the backcountry. Thunderstorms are possible for today and Wednesday throughout the forecast region.
Avalanche Discussion
Mostly clear overnight skies with near freezing temperatures should provide another descent to good refreeze of the snow surface. Increasing SW winds, clouds, and the chances for snow will be possible today as a storm moves into our area. Some snow surface softening could occur this morning on sun exposed slopes in wind protected areas, but this should be limited with the strong winds, increasing clouds, and much cooler temperatures. Many locations will remain firm crusts and will not soften under these cooler conditions. Light snow will be possible today with convective showers making for snow hit or miss throughout our area. The forecasted light amounts of snow should not pose an avalanche concern for backcountry users today. Additional snow is possible for tonight and Wednesday.
Normal caution is advised if traveling in the backcountry today.
Recent Observations:
* Spring melt-freeze conditions have been well established on most E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations.
* Large areas of bare ground have become exposed on many SE-S-SW aspects.
* NW-N-NE aspects are moving increasingly towards established spring melt-freeze conditions. Areas of transitional snow or winter type snow still exist in some areas, especially at higher elevations.