Central Sierra Nevada

Colder air temperatures and wind will keep sun exposed slopes frozen all day today. Any limited areas of blowing snow are not expected to accumulate as problematic slabs of wind drifted snow. Avalanches remain unlikely at this time. 

Normal caution

A dry cold front passing through the region will decrease air temperatures significantly today. Below freezing air temperatures combined with moderate speed NE to E wind will keep sun exposed slopes frozen all day. Ridgetop winds are forecast to increase to gale force late today or tonight. Very little snow is available for drifting in near treeline to above treeline areas. Any limited areas of blowing snow are not expected to form a wind slab avalanche problem.

Despite avalanche danger at a minimum, the success of a backcountry outing will depend heavily on pre-trip planning and making sure your group's route, equipment, skill set, and collective goals are a match for the conditions and specific hazards of the day.

Recent Observations:

• Snow surface conditions remain highly variable across the forecast area. Expect to encounter firm ice, firm snow, shallow soft snow, breakable crusts, and melt-freeze snow.
• A well-bonded and consolidated snowpack exists across nearly all aspects and elevations. Gradual near-surface faceting continues to weaken the top portion of the snowpack on most NW-N-NE aspects with wind protection.  A new snow load is needed on top of this developing weak layer before slab avalanche problems occur.