Central Sierra Nevada

Increasing clouds and winds are forecasted today ahead of a small storm entering our region tonight.  Limited wet snow development and blowing snow are expected today.  Avalanches are unlikely.  New snow and strong winds tonight into Thursday could increase the avalanche danger.

Normal caution

Increasing cloud cover and West winds should limit the amount of wet snow development today.  Some areas of soft, wet snow still may form on steep sun exposed slopes on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  Most softening will occur on lower to mid elevation slopes with upper elevation terrain remaining mostly frozen.

Winds switched from the NE to the W yesterday afternoon.  These W winds will increase in speed this afternoon ahead of a small storm tonight into Thursday.  While some light blowing snow may occur this afternoon, limited amounts of available snow exists on exposed terrain for these W winds to transport and form new wind slabs.  Avalanches are unlikely today.  

Before you head out, make a plan with your group selecting terrain and conditions that match your group's skills and the current conditions.  Practice good communication while you travel in the backcountry so that your group can adjust to unexpected conditions.

Recent Observations

• Strong NE winds have left firm scoured surfaces on many of the exposed N-NE-E aspects at upper elevations.  
• Snowmelt on SE-S-SW aspects has exposed bare ground in many areas, limiting over snow travel options on these aspects.
• The old near surface facet layer that was buried on Feb 14 following the prolonged Jan/Feb dry spell continues to gain strength in most areas. Some areas where this layer remains drier and weaker with the ability to collapse and propagate will be isolated across the forecast area.  We would still need a sizable loading event to create a future avalanche problem with this weak layer.