Central Sierra Nevada

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Avalanches remain unlikely, but isolated areas of unstable snow could still exist.  Normal caution is advised while traveling in the backcountry.

Normal caution

Triggering an avalanche remains unlikely in our forecast region.  The below average snowpack that we have this winter has greater variability throughout the forecast area with the potential for unstable snow to exist in isolated areas.  These areas would be places that had a very shallow and weak snowpack before the end of January storm.  The majority of data continues to point to overall strengthening of our snowpack with some lingering signs of unstable snow from these isolated locations.

Practice normal caution while traveling in the backcountry.  Make sure to have a plan that you discuss with your group and communicate throughout the day about conditions.  If your group sees signs of unstable snow be prepared to change plans: by switching aspects, decreasing slope angles, or moving to a more conservative option.  Reduce exposure to avalanche terrain by traveling 1 at a time in avalanche terrain and regrouping out of avalanche terrain and run out zones.   

Recent Observations:

* Over the last 3 days, observations targeting buried persistent weak layers in the Mt. Rose area and the West Shore area, showed no signs of unstable results from snowpack tests.  These results showed continued improvement from previous observations in these areas.  Observations from the Luther Pass area on Monday showed continued instability with unstable snowpack test results on these buried weak layers with ECTP results.

* The snow surface is a mix of wet snow, wind scoured surfaces, crusts, and transitional spring snow on most aspects and elevations.  Unconsolidated snow may still be found in wind protected northerly aspects at higher elevations.

*  Observations and snowpit data continues to show strength gains throughout the snowpack.  The recent late January storm snow has bonded well and continues to settle and gain strength.  Old deep weak layers in the lower portion of the snowpack have reduced reactivity and signs of instability in snowpack tests in most areas throughout the forecast region.  In some isolated areas that had a very weak and shallow snowpack, unstable snowpack tests results continue.  The last know deep slab avalanche occurred 8 days ago on Feb 2.