Central Sierra Nevada

Significant avalanche activity remains unlikely, but it is worth watching for isolated areas of wind-drifted snow that may have formed near ridges during the night.  Keep practicing good travel techniques like carrying avalanche safety gear, only exposing one person at a time when traveling in steep terrain, and regrouping in safe zones. Expect variable snow conditions and plenty of obstacles when traveling in the backcountry. 

Last night's NE winds reached speeds strong enough to transport snow, and isolated areas of drifted snow may have accumulated near upper-elevation ridges. Those areas of drifted snow should remain shallow and sparse due to the lack of soft snow available for transport.  The main effect of those winds will be adding wind-scoured surfaces to the already variable snow conditions. Still, keep an eye out for any signs of wind-drifted snow and those isolated areas where it may have formed small wind slabs. 

In addition to those newly scoured surfaces, expect firm or breakable crusts on any slopes that have gotten sunshine. The southerly aspects hold stronger crusts and more breakable crusts exist on less sun-exposed slopes. Some of these may soften a bit by this afternoon due to sun and warmer temperatures. A few pockets of softer surface snow may still linger on shady north aspects sheltered from the wind. While significant snowmelt has occurred on the sunny southerly facing slopes, cooler aspects (NW-N-NE-E) still hold two to three feet of snow above 7500 ft. The deepest snowpack exists on the Sierra Crest in the northern part of the forecast area. The southern part of the Sierra Crest and the east side of the forecast area hold less snow.

Layers of weak snow still linger below the surface on NW-N-NE and in some isolated areas on E aspects above 8000 to 8500 feet. These weak layers include sugary snow (basal facets) near the ground, weak snow near crusts in the snowpack (near crust facets), and soft granular snow on or near the surface (near surface facets). Tests and observations indicate that these layers have gone dormant for now. However, any of these weak layers has the potential to become problematic when our next big storm arrives. Overall, the snowpack remains shallow and variable, with plenty of exposed rocks, bushes, trees, and open creeks.

Consistently using best-practice travel techniques like planning around current conditions, carrying avalanche rescue gear, traveling one at a time in avalanche terrain, and regrouping out of harm's way in safe zones builds habits that will serve you well for years to come. Additionally, submitting observations with your group can help summarize and debrief your day. These debriefs can lead to a more refined decision-making and planning process, ultimately resulting in more enjoyable and successful trips.