Central Sierra Nevada

Small shallow drifts of wind-blown snow may exist near ridges, but avalanches will remain unlikely. Talk with your partners to make plans that fit the group's goals and skills. Be willing to change plans if you see different conditions than expected.

Normal caution

Avalanche activity remains unlikely even though some shallow and small snow drifts may exist near ridges. The wind and warmer weather will continue to reshape the snow surface, and conditions will get more variable. Consistent soft cold snow should still exist on sheltered or high-elevation northerly slopes. Southerly and westerly slopes keep getting more scoured and sun crusted. East aspects hold a mix of soft snow and breakable crusts. Below the surface, the snowpack has consolidated and grown stronger. 

Keep working to build and maintain good backcountry travel habits, even during LOW avalanche danger. Including "talking breaks" in your travel plan at appropriate spots like turns and viewpoints and before entering avalanche terrain can help develop better communication habits. As always, pay attention to changing conditions and any isolated signs of instability. When traveling in avalanche terrain, travel through it one at a time and regroup in safe areas. End-of-the-day debriefs to discuss how your plans worked out can provide excellent learning opportunities.

Recent Observations:

• Yesterday's light snow barely covered the surface hoar in many open areas sheltered from the winds at low and mid-elevations. This surface hoar warrants watching to see if it remains a potential problem before the next storm.  
• More snow has been falling from the trees creating variable surfaces in tree-covered areas, especially below 7400 ft. 
• The surface snow on northerly aspects remains soft and cold. In some areas, it is getting sugary and weaker.
• Thin sun crusts have formed on the snow surface in many areas of direct sun exposure, mainly on SE-S-SW and lower elevation E aspects.