Central Sierra Nevada

Strong winds yesterday afternoon and overnight may have formed some small areas of wind blown snow near ridges and gullies.  Recent winds this past week have made highly variable snow surface conditions in exposed terrain.  Avalanches remain unlikely today, but may not be impossible.  

Normal caution

NE/E winds increased again yesterday afternoon and overnight with areas of blowing snow in wind exposed locations.  Some new small hard wind slabs may have formed in isolated areas during this time period.  Winds are forecasted to decrease today.  Recent strong to gale force winds the past week have made for highly variable snow surface conditions in near and above treeline terrain, with wind scouring extending down into open below treeline areas.  Large areas of uneven carved snow, scoured icy surfaces, and stiff hard wind slabs exist in wind exposed locations.  The amount of snow available for wind transport has decreased, making for new wind slab development limited and avalanches remaining unlikely.

Areas of soft, cold snow exist on northerly aspects in the most wind protected below treeline areas.  Most of these areas are in the lower to mid elevation range with snow surface conditions being helped by the colder temperatures and near surface faceting occurring at some of these locations.  Look for changing conditions and signs of instability while moving through terrain.  Continue to practice good backcountry travel skills during this period between storms.

Recent Observations:

• No new reports of avalanches have come in since  Jan 21.
• Strong winds developed yesterday afternoon with blowing snow observed over exposed ridges and peaks.
• Buried surface hoar - Snowpit tests from most locations around the forecast area indicate this layer is unreactive.
• Melt-freeze crust are starting to form on southerly aspects.  In many areas, these thin crusts exist over dry and cold snow below with still transitional snow conditions.