THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 18, 2017 @ 6:45 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 17, 2017 @ 6:45 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations. Avalanche activity is unlikely, not impossible. Isolated areas of unstable snow may exist. Normal caution 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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  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
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    Very Large
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No specific widespread avalanche problems are expected today. Any isolated areas of instability that do exist will most likely be small to medium size wind slabs that formed near or above treeline during the recent periods of strong to gale force NE ridgetop winds.

Look for clues such as wind pillows, test slope cracking, and snow surface texturing/shaping (sastrugi) to identify possible areas of wind slab formation. Apply normal caution for backcountry travel in avalanche terrain. Communicate with travel partners and identify possible areas of concern. Expose one person at a time on or below steep slopes. Avoid regrouping below steep slopes or in avalanche run out zones.

recent observations
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Observations made and received yesterday from around the forecast area reported isolated areas of blowing snow above treeline. In these areas new wind deposits were small. No new wind slabs of significant size were reported. The snowpack continues to show signs of settlement and consolidation following the last storm cycle. Widespread areas of wind scouring have been noted above treeline. Areas of near surface facets and surface hoar have been noted in wind protected areas below treeline.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The next storm system is on the way with ridgetop winds shifting from NE to W this morning. Air temperature inversion conditions will linger this morning. Remote sensors above 8,000' are reporting air temperatures ranging from the mid 20s to 40 degrees. Additional warming will occur today above 7,000' before increasing SW winds mix the atmosphere tonight. Ridgetop winds will further increase during the day Wednesday. Light precipitation is possible starting tomorrow morning with intensity increasing during the late afternoon and evening hours. Snow level is forecast to begin around 6,500' to 7,000' Wednesday morning, lowering to 5,000' by Wednesday evening. See the Winter Weather Advisory from the Reno NWS for more details on the approaching storm.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 23 to 40 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 33 to 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 86 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 78 to 105 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies. Cloudy skies with a chance of rain and snow.
Temperatures: 40 to 45 deg. F. 23 to 29 deg. F. 34 to 39 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: W SW SW
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds, increasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph after midnight. 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 45 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 60 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 Up to 2
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies. Cloudy skies with a chance of snow.
Temperatures: 40 to 45 deg. F. 23 to 28 deg. F. 31 to 37 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: W SW SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 mph. 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Gusts increasing to 55 mph after midnight. 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 80 mph, increasing to 30 to 50 mph with gusts to 95 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 Up to 2
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.

For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (530) 587-3558 x258