Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanches remain unlikely today. Some small, very shallow areas of unstable snow may exist on isolated terrain features that were recently filled in with wind drifted snow. Identify areas of smooth looking newer snow as potential spots of concern. If you see signs of unstable snow, such as cracks in the snow surface or unexpected conditions, consider a different route, especially if venturing into high consequence terrain.

Normal caution

New snow accumulation from Friday was hit or miss around the forecast area. Some locations above 8,000' received an inch of new snow, while other nearby areas received none. Isolated areas hold small, shallow pockets of wind-drifted recent new snow. These areas of shallow wind slab could cause issues when combined with a high consequence downslope hazard such as cliffs, rocks, or a terrain trap. Look for potential areas of concern, such as smooth looking areas filled in by wind drifted snow. Consider adjusting your travel plans if you see signs of unstable snow, such as cracks in the snow surface, or if you encounter unexpected or unwanted conditions.

Most locations haven't received any significant new snow in over a month. Expect to encounter a wide range of snow surface conditions in the backcountry today. Surface crust is widespread across many aspects, especially at the low and mid elevations. Spring-like melt-freeze conditions exist on slopes with direct sun exposure. Expect snow surface melt to occur today on southerly aspects, potentially slowed from midday onwards by increasing SW winds and increasing cloud cover. Southerly aspects have experienced significant snow cover loss. Many southerly aspects that were snow covered 2 to 3 weeks ago now hold large areas of bare ground. On northerly aspects at the mid to upper elevations, soft, cold near surface facets exist on well shaded slopes with limited or no previous tracks. Crusts and transitional wet snow exist on many east and west aspects. Highly trafficked areas and areas under thicker forest canopy generally hold firmer, uneven snow surfaces.

Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water are widespread in low lying areas, especially below 8,000'. These hazards are encountered in isolated distribution at higher elevations.