Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanches continue to remain unlikely throughout the forecast region.  Isolated areas of wet unstable snow could develop as daytime warming occurs.  Continue to monitor conditions while travelling in the backcountry and change plans if you encounter unstable snow or unexpected conditions.    

Normal caution

Variable snow surface conditions exist on different aspects and elevations depending on sun and wind exposure.  Isolated areas of wet unstable snow could develop on steeper slopes as daytime warming occurs today.  Monitor conditions while travelling in the backcountry and adjust plans if unexpected conditions or unstable snow are encountered.

Observations and data from across the forecast area indicate the snowpack continues to consolidate and strengthen.  Melt freeze conditions have formed on southerly aspects with direct sun exposure.  Colder and dryer snow can be found on shaded slopes with some amount of wind protection.  On these open shaded slopes, the faceting process of the snow surface has improved snow surface qualilty in some locations.  Areas of variable snow conditions also exist with a variety of crusts, wet snow, and wind scoured snow surfaces.    

Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area, mainly below 8,000' in low-lying areas. These hazards also exist in isolated distribution at higher elevations.