Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanche activity is unlikely today throughout the forecast region.  Variable snow surface conditions exist due to recent wind, sun, and warm temperatures.  Choose appropriate terrain for your group and change your travel plans if you see any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions.

Normal caution

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today.  East winds will continue to be gusty with light blowing snow off of higher elevation terrain today.  These winds are not expected to be very strong in speed and there is limited snow available for wind transport after all the recent East wind events that have occurred over the last week.  Any new wind drifts are expected to be small, isolated, and not extent very far down slope.  Be prepared to change plans if signs of unstable snow are present. 

Observations and data from around the forecast area show a snowpack that is gaining strength and consolidating.  Variable snow surfaces exist throughout most of our terrain due to recent wind, sun, and warm temperatures.  In wind exposed areas: firm wind board, large uneven wind features, dense wind slab, and areas scoured down to firm rain crust can be found.  In wind protected locations: areas of colder unconsolidated snow, sticky snow, crusts, and wet snow as daytime warming occurs can also be found.   

Areas of colder snow with some near surface faceting have been reported on some wind protected Northerly aspects.  Most sunny slopes are still transitioning, but some spring-like snow is starting to develop on Southerly aspects.  With a gradual warm-up after the last storm and still low sun angles, wet snow instabilities are expected to remain limited to small roller balls and pinwheels. 

Deep, open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area. These deep holes and open creek areas are especially prominent below 8,000' in low lying areas, but have been observed at higher elevations.