THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 8, 2017 @ 6:42 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 7, 2017 @ 6:42 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger today for all elevations due to lingering wind slab and developing loose wet avalanche problems. Evaluate terrain and conditions carefully, especially near and above treeline where the wind slab problem exists.

2. Moderate

?

Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

?

Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

?

Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Wind slabs have built over the past few days and SW to W winds strong enough to cause drifting snow remain ongoing. Human triggered wind slab avalanches remain possible today near treeline and above treeline mainly on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects. Winds yesterday were shifty and created a mix of both scoured and wind loaded slopes in what are generally lee areas under SW winds. Some wind slabs could be soft while others could be firm.

Look for signs of recently formed wind slabs such as cornice features and wind pillows. Identify and avoid areas where wind slabs exist.

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Air temperatures rising above freezing will allow for natural and human triggered loose wet avalanche activity to start today and continue for the next several days. Loose wet avalanches will be possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and on NW-N-NE aspects at lower elevations.

Expect to see widespread roller ball activity as snow begins to fall off of rocks and trees. Avoid slope 37 degrees and steeper in the vicinity of roller ball activity.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure is building over the forecast area as the storm track shifts to the north. Ridgetop winds remain out of the SW but are decreasing in speed. Moderate to strong wind speeds today are expected to decrease to light to moderate speed for tomorrow. A warming trend has started with many weather stations reporting the warmest air temperatures of the last 24 hours at sunrise this morning. Maximum daytime air temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s to low 40s today for areas above 7,000'. An additional 5 degrees of warming is expected for tomorrow. Light snow or rain showers could still occur today and tonight. Snow level is forecast to rise into the 7,000' to 8,000' range tonight.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 20 to 26 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 20 to 26 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW to W
Average ridgetop wind speed: 47 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 108 mph
New snowfall: 1 to 6 inches
Total snow depth: 142 to 200 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 to cloudy skies with a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain or snow showers. Partly to mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 35 to 41 deg. F. 23 to 28 deg. F. 41 to 46 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW W
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 10 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph. 10 to 15 mph in the morning, becoming light.
Expected snowfall: 0 to trace 0 to trace 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with a slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of snow showers. Partly to mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 29 to 39 deg. F. 20 to 29 deg. F. 35 to 45 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW W W
Wind Speed: 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 60 mph. 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 60 mph. 15 to 20 mph with gust to 40 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 to trace 0 to trace 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.

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