Central Sierra Nevada

Avalanche activity should remain unlikely in most areas for most of the day. Unlikely does not mean impossible, so keep assessing the snow and terrain, and try not to get locked into a single objective. If you see any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions, be willing to change your travel plans. 

The avalanche danger will increase late this afternoon and evening as rain begins. 

Normal caution

Triggering an avalanche should be unlikely in most places today. Still, you might find some unstable snow on an isolated terrain feature in extreme terrain or near a high elevation ridge or in an area where rain starts earlier than expected. Don't just assume everything is fine and let your guard down. Keep an eye out for any signs of unstable snow, such as snow-surface cracking, dense hollow-sounding snow above softer snow, or maybe wet snow, and be prepared to adjust plans as needed.

The winds have decreased, and data from the forecast area shows a snowpack that continues to consolidate and strengthen in most places. Wind-affected snow surfaces still exist at the upper elevations, while cold air trapped in the valleys and clear nights have left colder, softer snow (near-surface facets and surface hoar) on some lower-elevation slopes. There is some uncertainty about when the rain will arrive today. It will most likely start raining late this afternoon or this evening. Once it begins to rain, unstable wet snow may form on some steep slopes. If the rain begins earlier than expected, wet snow instabilities would also form sooner.  

Deep, open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area, leftover from the rain during the previous storm. These holes and open areas are especially prominent below 8,000', but have been observed at higher elevations. More rain tonight and tomorrow will keep these terrain traps open.