Central Sierra Nevada

Minor amounts of snow surface melt are expected today on lower elevation slopes with direct sun exposure and protection from the wind. Highly variable snow surface conditions exist in most areas. Avalanches remain unlikely at this time.

Normal caution

Some minor amounts of snow surface melt are expected today as the E to NE winds from the past two days gradually decrease. Some slopes especially those with exposure to ongoing wind and/or indirect sun exposure could easily remain frozen all day. The greatest amounts of melt are expected on mid to lower elevation slopes that have direct sun exposure and protection from the wind. The amount of snow surface melt that occurs today is not expected to create areas of unstable snow.

The existence of problematic wind slabs is unlikely despite some blowing snow that was observed on ridgetops on Friday. The overall amount of snow that was available for transport was minimal. The amount of drifting and accumulating snow vs sublimation was insufficient to build much in the way of new wind slabs.

Avalanche danger is at a minimum right now and don't let that lead to complacency. If an avalanche were to occur it would likely come as a surprise to the party involved. Keep the odds stacked in your favor by following good systems including intentional route planning specifically for the expected conditions of the day, trailhead transceiver checks, exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain, and regrouping in safe zones not exposed to avalanche terrain from above or from the side.

Recent Observations:

• Variable snow surface conditions exist across the forecast area. Expect to encounter firm ice, shallow unconsolidated snow, wind-packed surfaces, wind-scoured surfaces, breakable crusts, and spring-like melt/freeze snow.
• Some faceting has occurred in the upper snowpack in most areas on northerly aspects. Otherwise, the existing snowpack is well consolidated.
• Total snowpack height at the Snotel automated sensor sites in the 8,200' to 8,700' elevation range has decreased 25 to 34 inches since December 28th, mostly due to settlement.