Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanches remain unlikely on a regional scale. Firm snow surface conditions exist on most open slopes, especially near ridgetops. Sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles are possible near treeline and above treeline. Softer snow surface conditions exist on shaded slopes well below treeline.

NE winds increased last night and are strong to gale force in speed this morning. This is not expected to change the snow and avalanche situation. This is the fourth NE winds event since the last snowfall in early January. Previous strong winds over the past two weeks from both the SW and NE already scoured and reshaped the snow surface on most open slopes near and above treeline. Expect to encounter uneven wind-sculpted features, firm wind-packed snow, and exposed ice near and above treeline until the next substantial snowfall.

Some very minor amounts of blowing snow could occur today near ridgetops with no new wind slab formation expected.

Some small, skier triggered dry loose avalanches were reported Saturday in steep, shaded, below treeline terrain. This is an isolated concern along the Sierra Crest in places where 4 to 6 inches of soft surface facets sit on top of firm rain crust. Choosing more moderate slope angle terrain can easily avoid the potential for this minor snow surface instability.

The combination of today's strong NE winds and below freezing maximum daytime air temperatures are expected to keep the snow surface frozen all day on southerly aspects. Snow surface melt across southerly aspects is expected to resume tomorrow.

Even though avalanches are unlikely today, deliberate terrain selection is warranted. Sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles are possible on a variety of aspects near treeline and above treeline due to firm conditions. Opt for shaded below treeline slopes to avoid this possibility and to seek out better snow surface conditions. Even with a Low Danger forecast, best practice travel techniques such as carrying avalanche safety gear, only exposing one person at a time when traveling in steep terrain, and regrouping in safe zones are recommended.