Central Sierra Nevada

Increased winds and colder temperatures will limit snow surface softening leaving many slopes firm and icy today.  Avalanche activity is unlikely throughout the forecast region.

Normal caution

NE winds have increased overnight into the strong to gale force range along the Sierra Crest with gusts up to 55 to 65mph and are expected to continue through today.  These winds, along with slightly cooler temperatures, will limit snow surface softening leaving many slopes firm and icy.  Wind protected southerly aspects at mid to lower elevations have the best chance for offering some soft spring type snow for today.  Even with the strong winds, limited to no blowing snow is expected due to very little snow available for wind transport.   Avalanche activity is not expected today.

Make a plan with your group that factors in the current conditions and skill level of your partners.  Continue to practice safe avalanche travel techniques by using ascent routes out of avalanche terrain, traveling 1 at a time in avalanche terrain, and regrouping out of avalanche terrain and runout zones. 

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  melt/freeze crusts.
• The snowpack is mostly consolidated on most aspects and elevations.  On open wind protected northerly aspects, the upper snowpack is gradually becoming weaker as near surface faceting continues.  We would need a new snow load on top of this weakening snow before any potential avalanche problems could occur.