THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 28, 2014 @ 6:55 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 27, 2014 @ 6:55 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised. Long sliding falls on exposed rain crust are possible near and above treeline in wind scoured areas, especially on N-NE-E aspects.

1. Low

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Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution
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Avalanche concerns at this time are few. Triggering a small isolated unstable wind slab is unlikely but not impossible today, especially for those pushing the envelope in complex or extreme terrain. A more likely hazard to encounter today in exposed rain crust in wind scoured areas near and above treeline. Travel on or above areas of exposed rain crust opens up the possibility for long sliding falls.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Silver Peak (Pole Creek area) and on Round Top Peak (Carson Pass area) revealed no evidence of instability. Recently formed wind slabs 6 to 8 inches deep were noted in lee areas, with no associated signs of instability. In wind scoured areas, exposed rain crust exists at the snow surface. In wind protected areas below treeline, a few inches of recent storm snow exist on top of rain crust.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Air temperature inversion has settled over the region. Air temperatures above 8,000' began warming early this morning as cold air settled to the mountain valley floors. Air temperatures this morning are in the single digits and teens on the mountain valley floors and in the 20s above 8,000'. Maximum daytime air temperatures are expected to reach the upper 20s to upper 30s today for areas above 7,000'. Sunny skies this morning will give way to increasing high level cloud cover as the day progresses. Light to moderate speed ridgetop winds for today are expected to shift from east to west this afternoon. Ridgetop winds are forecast to increase in speed tonight and tomorrow ahead of an approaching cold front.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 21 to 29 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 21 to 29 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Northeast
Average ridgetop wind speed: 28 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 66 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 26 to 39 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Sunny skies with increasing high level clouds. Partly cloudy skies. Mostly sunny skies.
Temperatures: 33 to 37 deg. F. 17 to 23 deg. F. 28 to 34 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: W SW W
Wind Speed: Light winds, increasing to around 10 mph in the afternoon. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Sunny skies with increasing high level clouds. Partly cloudy skies. Mostly sunny skies.
Temperatures: 27 to 34 deg. F. 20 to 25 deg. F. 25 to 30 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NE shifting to W W W
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. 30 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph, increasing to 40 to 45 mph with gusts to 70 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
Disclaimer

This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This advisory covers the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass on the north and Ebbetts Pass on the south. Click here for a map of the forecast area. This advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.