Central Sierra Nevada

Cooler, windier, and cloudier weather should keep most snow surfaces frozen today. Make plans that use good backcountry travel habits and be willing to change those plans if you see something different than expected.

The avalanche danger will increase quickly as snow and wind impact the area tonight.

Normal caution

No specific avalanche problems exist for today. Breaks in the cloud cover last night should have allowed the snow surface to refreeze despite above-freezing temperatures. Cooler weather, strong winds, and increased cloud cover combined with low sun angles should limit the amount of wet snow that forms today.

Also, the old, weak layers have grown stronger in many areas, with the exception of places on the eastern side of the forecast area where the snowpack remains shallow (around 3 feet deep or less). In these spots, old, weak layers of faceted, sugary snow still lurk in the lower half of the snowpack. This shallow, weak snowpack structure may not handle a large new snow loading event east of the Sierra Crest.

Backcountry travelers should expect variable conditions today, including breakable or firm crusts. Create travel plans that match the goals and skills of your group to appropriate terrain and snow conditions. Pay attention to the conditions and weather, and be willing to adjust plans if the conditions change.

More dangerous avalanche conditions and problems will resurface tonight and tomorrow as new snow and wind impact the forecast area.