Central Sierra Nevada

Snow surfaces remain variable, and avalanches remain unlikely across the region. Still, pay attention to the snow and terrain as you travel. Be willing to change plans if you find any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions.

Normal caution

Open and honest communication about goals and skills can help focus travel plans on terrain and conditions that are appropriate and fun for your group. The variable snow conditions offer options and challenges, so monitor the conditions as you travel. If you see any signs of unstable snow or encounter unexpected or unwanted conditions, adjust your plans accordingly.

Avalanches remain unlikely, and snow coverage remains decent on most aspects that face the northern half of the compass. Snow cover on southerly aspects continues to decrease. Snow surface conditions remain highly variable with sastrugi, wind-scoured surfaces, rippled snow, dense wind-buff, exposed rain crusts, etc in wind-affected areas. Sunny slopes hold sun crusts and transitional melt-freeze snow that is firm in the morning but softens as the day warms up. Some areas of softer snow still linger on shady, wind-protected slopes, but these patches have grown smaller and more isolated over time. Some of these areas have also warmed up and might now have thin surface crusts. 

Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area, especially below 8,000' in low-lying areas, but some lurk at higher elevations as well.