Central Sierra Nevada

Most sun exposed slopes will remain frozen today due to increased winds and colder air temperatures.  Avalanches of the wet or dry snow variety are unlikely today. Avoid complacency while traveling in the backcountry during periods of minimal avalanche danger.

Normal caution

NE ridgetop winds increased last night with gusts to 65 mph expected through this evening. This wind combined with near to below freezing maximum daytime air temperatures is expected to keep the vast majority of sun exposed slopes frozen all day today. Little to no snow is available for transport at the forecast wind speeds, Any areas of blowing snow will be minor at best and not lead to any new wind slab formation.

Avalanches are unlikely today due to a well consolidated snowpack on all aspects and at all elevations. The upper 6 to 12 inches of the snowpack is gradually continuing to facet and weaken in well shaded open areas on northerly aspects. This weakening upper snowpack will need a new snow load on top of it before avalanche problems occur. 

Avalanche danger is at a minimum right now so don't let that lead to complacency. Keep the odds stacked in your favor with intentional route planning specific to the expected conditions of the day, trailhead transceiver checks, exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain, and regrouping in safe zones that are beyond runout zones and 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 35 inches since December 28th, mostly due to settlement.