Central Sierra Nevada
Danger d’avalanche
Points saillants
Snow surfaces remain variable, and avalanches remain unlikely across the region. Still, pay attention to the snow and terrain as you travel, and practice safe habits like moving one at a time through avalanche terrain. Be willing to change plans if you find any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions.
Avalanche Discussion
The variable snow conditions provide both options and challenges. As you make travel plans, talk openly with your group about skills and goals to target terrain and conditions that are appropriate and fun for your group. If you see any signs of unstable snow, such as snow surface cracking, or encounter unexpected or unwanted conditions while you are out, adjust your plans accordingly. A quick chat at the end of the day about what went well and what you might do differently next time can help refine your backcountry skills.
Avalanches remain unlikely, and snow coverage remains decent on most aspects that face the northern half of the compass. Less snow cover exists on southerly aspects. Snow surface conditions remain highly variable with sastrugi, wind-scoured surfaces, rippled snow, dense wind-buff, and exposed rain crusts in wind-affected areas. Sunny slopes hold crusts and transitional melt-freeze snow. Some areas of softer snow still linger on shady, wind-protected slopes and in some alpine areas, but these patches have grown smaller and more isolated over time. Some of these areas now also have thin surface crusts.
Today's cold temperatures will prevent further melting and keep any re-frozen snow firm, while the strong NE winds will continue to reshape the snow surface. Despite the strong winds, blowing and drifting snow should remain limited due to the lack of loose snow available for transport. If any wind slabs start to form, they should remain small, shallow, and limited to a few isolated terrain features.
Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area, especially below 8,000' in low-lying areas, but some lurk at higher elevations as well.