Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanches are unlikely across the forecast area today, and snow surfaces remain variable. Pay attention to the snow and terrain as you travel. Change plans if you encounter any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions.

Normal caution

Avalanches are unlikely across the forecast area today. The variable snow surface conditions across the forecast area provide both options and challenges. Build a travel plan that keeps terrain options open. That way, if you see any signs of unstable snow, such as snow surface cracking, or encounter unexpected or unwanted conditions, you can adjust your terrain choices accordingly. Today's lingering cloud cover and increased SW winds may prevent or drastically limit snow surface melt, keeping any re-frozen snow firm.

Snow coverage remains decent to good on most aspects that face the northern half of the compass. Substantially less snow cover exists on southerly aspects with large areas of bare ground in many locations. Snow surface conditions remain highly variable with wind-scoured to wind packed surfaces, and some spots of exposed rain crusts near ridgetops. Areas of softer snow still linger on shady, wind-protected slopes and in some alpine areas. These soft snow patches have grown more isolated over time. Sun exposed slopes hold crusts and melt-freeze snow.

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.