Central Sierra Nevada

Sunny and warmer weather is expected today throughout the forecast region.  Avalanches remain unlikely, with LOW avalanche danger continuing.  Use normal caution if traveling in the backcountry.

The Northeast winds have finally decreased and will shift to the West today and remain light.  The recent strong winds have left their mark on most open slopes near and above treeline.  If your travel plans take you into alpine terrain near exposed ridges, gullies, and open areas, expect to find variable snow surface conditions.   A mix of uneven, wind-sculpted features, firm wind-packed snow, and scoured ice crusts exist throughout these open above treeline areas.  Below treeline, softer and more consistent snow still lingers on shaded slopes protected from the wind.

Wet snow is expected to form on sun exposed slopes today with warmer and sunny weather.  With a good overnight refreeze in most locations, low January sun angles, and a gradual warm up-any wet snow instabilities that form today are expected to remain small in size.

Use normal caution if traveling in the backcountry.  Practice good travel techniques if moving in or around avalanche terrain by only exposing 1 person at a time and regrouping out of avalanche terrain.  Make sure to come up with a plan before you head out with everyone in your group involved in the decision making process.