Central Sierra Nevada

Sunny skies will continue with cool winds that will limit snow surface softening again today.  Variable and firm snow surfaces exist in many areas throughout the forecast region.  Avalanches remain unlikely, normal caution is advised.

Northeast to East winds increased overnight and remain strong in speed this morning.  These winds accompanied with a good overnight refreeze, will make for firm snow surfaces on a variety of aspects and elevations.  Limited snow surface softening is again expected today on solar aspects with the cool NE-E winds continuing.  These increased winds have scoured more areas and redistributed minor amounts of snow over the past couple days.

Firm snow and variable snow surface conditions exist in near and above treeline areas with potential challenging travel conditions.  Sliding falls or runaway equipment/snowmobiles are possible on a variety of aspects in exposed areas due to the firm snow surfaces.  Shaded, wind protected, below treeline areas, offer much better travel with soft surface snow available.  Come up with a plan for your group before heading out into the backcountry that is appropriate for the current conditions.