Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanches remain unlikely on a regional scale. Firm snow surface conditions exist on most open slopes, especially near ridgetops. Sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles are possible near treeline and above treeline. Softer snow surface conditions exist on shaded slopes well below treeline.

More wind is expected today than yesterday. This is not expected to change the snow and avalanche situation. Previous strong winds over the past two weeks from both the SW and NE already scoured and reshaped the snow surface on most open slopes near and above treeline. Uneven, wind-sculpted features, firm, wind-packed snow, and exposed ice will remain on these slopes until the next substantial snowfall.

If your travel plans take you into alpine terrain near exposed ridges, gullies, or open slopes, expect to find variable, uneven, firm to icy snow surfaces. Below treeline, shaded, wind protected tree-covered slopes hold soft, consistent snow in areas without previous tracks. In addition to having more enjoyable snow surface conditions, choosing terrain below treeline can help reduce exposure to the firm, challenging snow surface conditions above treeline.

Some small, skier triggered dry loose avalanches were reported yesterday in steep, shaded, below treeline terrain. This is mostly an issue along the Sierra Crest in places where 4 to 6 inches of soft surface facets sits on top of firm rain crust. Choosing more moderate slope angle terrain can easily avoid this minor snow surface instability.

A minor amount of snow surface melt is expected today on wind protected southerly aspects. In places exposed to the wind, the snow surface may remain frozen all day on southerly aspects.

Even though avalanches are unlikely today, deliberate terrain selection is warranted. Sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles are possible on a variety of aspects near treeline and above treeline due to firm conditions. Opt for shaded below treeline slopes to avoid this possibility. Even with a Low Danger forecast, best practice travel techniques such as carrying avalanche safety gear, only exposing one person at a time when traveling in steep terrain, and regrouping in safe zones is recommended.