THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON November 23, 2015 @ 6:54 am
Avalanche Forecast published on November 22, 2015 @ 6:54 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated pockets of instability may linger in complex or extreme terrain. Normal caution such as one at a time travel and avoiding grouping up while in or below avalanche terrain is advised.

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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    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
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    Very Large
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Generally stable snowpack conditions exist with no specific avalanche problems. The snowpack structure varies greatly from one location and aspect to another. In areas where the snowpack is 1 to 2+ feet deep, a structure of slab over relatively weaker snow below is often found. The relatively weaker snow below in most cases is gaining strength. What was once basal facets and buried near surface facets have metamorphosed into rounded grains in most locations. Spacial variability exists and some isolated exceptions have been noted where weaker snow below the slab remains colder and more faceted.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Recent observations from the Carson Pass, Donner Summit, and Mount Rose areas show a wide spectrum of snow surface conditions. Recent warm air temperatures have caused melt in sun exposed areas. Bare ground has reemerged on numerous SE-S-SW aspects. Above treeline, wind scouring has also left behind a very shallow snowpack and areas of bare ground. On the wind protected NW-N-NE-E aspects, mixed conditions are found consisting of melt-freeze snow, breakable crust, and pockets of cold unconsolidated surface snow in the form of poorly developed near surface facets.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Sunny skies, warm air temperatures, and light to moderate speed SW winds are expected today. Transitional weather will occur tonight and tomorrow with the forecast calling for cooling air temperatures and SW winds increasing to moderate to strong in speed ahead of an approaching storm system. Increasing winds aloft tonight are expected to mix out the air temperature inversion from the mountain valleys and surrounding peaks. Maximum daytime air temperatures above 7,000' in the mid 40s to mid 50s today will decrease to the mid 30s to mid 40s for tomorrow.

 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 33 to 44 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 48 to 51 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 12 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 23 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 9 to 18 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies, becoming partly cloudy. Partly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 46 to 53 deg. F. 27 to 33 deg. F. 40 to 47 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: Light winds increasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon. 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph, increasing to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph after midnight. 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies, becoming partly cloudy. Partly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 43 to 50 deg. F. 24 to 31 deg. F. 36 to 43 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon. 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph, increasing to 35 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph after midnight. 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 70 mph.
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.