Central Sierra Nevada

Problematic avalanches are unlikely today for the vast majority of backcountry travelers. Small, shallow, isolated areas of unstable wind deposited snow may have formed last night and early this morning during a period of increased winds. This is most likely an issue in complex terrain where rocks and cliffs below magnify the consequences of a small and otherwise inconsequential avalanche.

Normal caution

Ridgetop winds last night, first from the E and then from the SW are expected to have blown and drifted the 1 to 3 inches of recent new snow that was on the surface yesterday in many areas. A few new small, shallow unstable wind slabs have likely formed and may be encountered where this wind-blown snow accumulated. Any avalanches are expected to be quite small with the consequences coming from downslope terrain hazards such as rocks and cliffs rather than from the size of the avalanche itself.

Today's sunshine and warming air temperatures may allow for some very minor roller balls or other small loose wet instabilities around rocks on steep sunny slopes at low to mid elevations. 

As with any day in the backcountry LOW danger or not, travel with a plan that provides appropriate safety margins. Focus on terrain and conditions that match the skills and goals of your group. Move through terrain in ways that minimize exposure to avalanche hazards, exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain and regrouping in safe zones outside of avalanche terrain and runout zones.

Recent Observations:

* Signs of wind slab avalanches and cornice collapses that occurred on January 3rd and 4th remain visible in many areas.

* Variable snow surface conditions exists across the forecast area including firm ice, recent new snow over supportable crust, wind-packed surfaces, semi-supportable snow surfaces, and very isolated pockets of powder.

* Large cornices are common along ridgelines, often with deep fissures behind them.