Several days of cold temperatures have brought the feel of winter back to the Sierra. We even got a few inches of light fluffy snow on Monday which covered over the hard crusts from early in the month. Moderate to strong winds have been redistributing that snow onto leeward slopes throughout the range. Several natrual avalanches were observed in the June Lake area yesterday. Some of these wind slabs may still be sensitive enough to trigger, especially early in the day. And if the shifting northerly winds are strong enough at upper elevations this afternoon fresh wind slabs may form just under south and west facing ridgelines. Watch for blowing snow to point towards newer wind deposits.
Obstacles abound in our area. The thin snowpack may have rocks and stumps lurking just under the surface. In steep alpine terrain, hard crusts and scoured areas still pose the threat of slide-for-life conditions in the event of a fall. Caution is advised, as well as crampons and ice axes.