Central Sierra Nevada

Triggering an avalanche remains unlikely. Factor variable snow, including firm and uneven surfaces, into your plans and monitor the conditions and terrain as you travel. If you see any signs of unstable snow or unexpected conditions, choose a different route.

Normal caution

Expect variable snow surfaces, and plan your travel accordingly by targeting terrain and conditions appropriate for your group's skills and goals. Avalanches should remain unlikely in most places today. If you see any signs of unstable snow, such as snow surface cracking, or encounter unexpected or unwanted conditions, go ahead and change your plans. 

Tuesday night's snow covered the old variable snow surfaces with a trace to two-ish inches of new snow. In most places, that snow barely concealed the rough or uneven old snow surfaces. The mix of sun and wind sculpted surfaces has quickly returned as the recent snow assimilates and melts. In the few places where smooth or soft snow surfaces existed before the storm, the new snow provided a decent refresh. Sunny slopes, where less than an inch of new snow fell, have already returned to spring-like melt-freeze conditions, and the spots that received more new snow are not far behind. Small roller balls or pinwheels may happen on some steep slopes as the day warms up. These are more likely in areas where more recent snow accumulated. Sheltered north aspects may still hold areas of softer snow, especially at higher elevations, but the thin cloud cover could help spread some warming to these aspects as well.

Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water persist around the forecast area, especially below 8,000' in low-lying areas, but some lurk at higher elevations as well.