Central Sierra Nevada

LOW avalanche danger continues with avalanche activity unlikely.  Early season snowpack conditions prevail throughout the forecast region with a shallow snowpack and many obstacles present.  Use normal caution while traveling in the backcountry.

SW winds shifted to NE overnight and are expected to increase to near 50mph along ridges today.  Small amounts of blowing snow will be possible as these wind speeds increase.  Limited available snow for transport continues, with problematic wind slab development not expected for today. 

2 to 3 feet of snow exists on NW-N-NE-E aspects above 7500'.  There is generally more snow in the northern Sierra Crest portion of the forecast area than in the southern or eastern portions of the forecast area.  Melt-freeze conditions have occurred on sun exposed slopes, where snow coverage still exists.  Cold soft snow can be found on shaded wind protected slopes along with some variable snow and crust conditions.  Surface hoar has been observed throughout the forecast area, especially low on the peaks where cold air has pooled overnight.  Snow surface conditions vary greatly depending on aspect, elevation, and amount of previous tracks.

There are some unreactive weak layers in our snowpack that could become future issues.  Weak faceted snow near the ground continues to linger in the eastern and southern portions of the forecast area above 8000-8500'.  These layers exist on NW-N-NE and in some isolated areas on E aspects.  A shallowly buried rain crust has developed near crust facets that have been showing unstable snowpack test results in some areas.  On most shaded slopes, weak near surface facets exist on the snow surface.  Any of these weak layers have the potential to become problematic when our next storm arrives.  A shallow and variable snowpack is present in much of the forecast region.

Use normal caution if traveling in avalanche terrain in the backcountry.  Practice good travel techniques, carry avalanche rescue gear, and make a plan with your group before you head out.  Practice and form good habits now, so you and your group are prepared when winter and more challenging conditions return.