Central Sierra Nevada
Avalanche danger
Highlights
Shallow snow conditions exist in most areas of the forecast region with avalanche problems unlikely at this time. Most snow exists in higher elevation shaded areas. Firm and variable snow surface conditions exist that may pose travel concerns.
Avalanche Discussion
A shallow snowpack of 1 to 3 feet exists at the higher elevation terrain above 8000-8500’ on NW-N-NE aspects. This snow is left over from the late October and early November storms and remains mostly supportable. Sunny aspects are almost completely void of all snow at most elevations due to the recent warm spell. The snowpack has been losing strength and faceting over the last month during this extended dry spell. Rain crusts and snow in the mid and upper snowpack have been deteriorating and weakening. The long nights, low sun angles, and clear skies will allow the faceting process to continue weakening the snowpack.
At this point, avalanche activity remains unlikely with no cohesive slab over these weak layers. As we enter an upcoming weather pattern change with storms approaching our area, these weak layers will get more additional load in the form of rain and or snow on top of them. Monitoring these weak layers as storms enter our area will be important and could lead to complicated avalanche problems.
For today, most hazards involve falling or sliding concerns from the firm and variable snow surface conditions. Specialized gear and skills may be needed to travel safely through some icy snow covered terrain.
Recent Observations:
* 1 to 3 feet of snow exists on NW-N-NE aspects above about 8,000-8,500 ft. The snow surface remains highly variable with a mix of firm icy crusts and breakable crusts in most places.
* Almost all SE-S-SW-W aspects are snow-free with continuous bare ground exposed.