Central Sierra Nevada

Problematic avalanches are unlikely on a regional scale. Keep an eye out for small, isolated areas of unstable snow. These could take the form of either shallow slabs of wind drifted snow near ridgetops or surface wet snow on wind protected slopes with direct sun exposure.

There is not much concern for avalanches large enough to bury a person at this time. There is some potential for isolated areas of unstable snow where a very small avalanche is not out of the question. These would result from either wind drifted snow or surface wet snow.

Strong NE winds have blown for several days over two separate wind events. There is currently very little snow remaining that is available for drifting and subsequent wind slab formation. While very small amounts of blowing snow may still occur today, the formation of new wind slabs of problematic size are very unlikely.

The recent strong to gale force winds have scoured away snow from near and above treeline areas on a variety of aspects. This left behind a mix of wind-sculpted features and firm ice. If your travel plans take you into alpine terrain near exposed ridges, gullies, and open areas, expect to find variable snow surface conditions. Traveling in wind protected areas such as heavily forested slopes below treeline can help reduce exposure to firm, challenging travel conditions.  Softer, more consistent snow surface conditions linger on fully shaded slopes in wind protected areas below treeline.

Air temperatures are expected to warm above freezing today. The continued NE winds are expected to keep the snow surface frozen across southerly aspects that are wind exposed. In isolated areas that have both direct sun exposure and protection from NE winds, some surface wet snow formation is expected later today. It is unlikely but not impossible that a backcountry traveler could trigger a small, mostly inconsequential wet loose avalanche today if they found the right spot. Surface wet snow is expected to become more widespread over the next few days as winds decrease and air temperatures continue to warm, especially at the mid and upper elevations.