Central Sierra Nevada

While getting caught in an avalanche remains unlikely today, the icy conditions on many near and above treeline slopes make sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles possible. Shady slopes below treeline still hold some areas of softer snow. Talk with your group to make plans that match your skills to the current conditions and continue using best-practice backcountry travel techniques.

Snow surface conditions vary greatly depending on exposure to wind, elevation, aspect, and previous use. Expect uneven, wind-sculpted features, firm, wind-packed snow, and scoured ice crusts on slopes near ridges, gullies, and in most open areas near and above treeline. Today's increasing cloud cover and wind should help keep the snow in these areas frozen. While avalanche activity remains unlikely, these firm and icy conditions will allow for long sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles on steep slopes near and above treeline. 

Some shaded slopes protected from the wind, like tree-covered slopes and areas where other terrain blocks the wind below treeline, still hold soft, consistent snow. Traveling in these areas can help reduce exposure to those firm, challenging snow surface conditions above treeline in addition to having more enjoyable snow conditions.

Discuss the current conditions and your group's abilities, and use this information to target terrain and conditions that match the group's skills and interests. Keep using good travel techniques such as carrying avalanche safety gear, only exposing one person at a time when traveling in steep terrain, and regrouping in safe zones.

Depending on the amount of snow and wind tomorrow's storm brings, the avalanche danger could increase, and avalanche problems could return to the forecast area.