Central Sierra Nevada
Avalanche danger
Highlights
LOW avalanche danger exists with normal caution advised. Very small slabs of wind drifted snow could linger in isolated areas today. Change plans if you encounter unstable snow or unexpected conditions.
Avalanche Discussion
Small amounts of recent new snow exist on top of highly variable snow surface conditions. While avalanche concerns remain limited and small in size today, they could have increased consequences in steep terrain or above terrain traps. Make sure to develop a plan with your group that focuses on the current conditions and your travel goals. Adjust your plans and terrain choices if you encounter unexpected or unwanted conditions.
A variety of crusts, wind scoured surfaces, and areas of softer snow exist throughout the backcountry. Recent snow from Tuesday night's storm deposited a trace up to a couple inches of snow on top of these variable surface conditions. Small lingering wind slabs could remain in isolated areas where the most recent storm snow fell in near and above treeline terrain. Any wind slabs found today are expected to be very small in size and not extend far downslope. Some snow surface softening is expected to occur on sun exposed slopes as daytime warming occurs with warming temperatures and light winds.
Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water exist in low lying areas, especially below 8,000'. Some of these hazards exist in isolated distribution at higher elevations.