THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 4, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 3, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist as daytime warming occurs and a loose wet avalanche problem develops at all elevations.  Unstable snowpack conditions can quickly form as snow becomes unsupportable and loses strength.

2. Moderate

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

2. Moderate

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

2. Moderate

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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: Loose Wet
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As daytime warming occurs, loose wet avalanches will become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations.  As the day progresses, loose wet avalanche instabilities will also spread to NW-N-NE aspects.  Clear overnight skies with near freezing temperatures should provide a fairly good snow surface refreeze in most areas.  In areas at lower elevations, places with a thin snowpack, areas around rocks and trees, and densely treed areas, the snow surface refreeze may be limited or nonexistent.

Measuring boot and/or ski penetrations are good ways to constantly monitor the snow surface and supportability throughout the day.  Avoid avalanche terrain where natural or human triggered roller balls are occurring.  Unstable snowpack conditions can quickly develop as the snow loses supportability and strength.

recent observations
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* Snow surface conditions were mostly smooth with good supportability above 8000' on Mt. Tallac (Desolation Wilderness area) at midday yesterday.  Areas below 8000' on E/SE aspects, were mostly unsupportable wet deep snow just after 12noon.  Small skier triggered loose wet avalanches occurred in steeper terrain in these areas of unsupportable snow.

* A party reported fully unsupportable snow conditions on Silver Peak (Pole Creek area) yesterday.  No refreeze was observed with unsupportable snow conditions consistent to the summit high point of 8200' back down to the trailhead at 6200'.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures today with increasing clouds through the week.  Near freezing temperatures were reported overnight from remote sensors along the Sierra Crest above 8200' with mostly clear skies.  There is a slight chance of light rain on Wednesday night and Thursday for the northern part of the forecast region.  On Friday, light to moderate rain is expected before the main atmospheric river storm moves into our area Friday night through Saturday.  Up to 3'' of qpf is expected along the Sierra Crest with 1.5 to 2'' in the Tahoe Basin.  Snow levels are expected to be in excess of 10,000' before potentially dropping down to area passes by Saturday afternoon.  

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 28 to 35 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 10 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 28 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 65 to 98 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 47 to 53 deg. F. 29 to 34 deg. F. 49 to 55 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW
Wind Speed: Light winds. Gusts up to 25mph in the afternoon. 10 to 15mph in the evening becoming light. Gusts up to 30mph. Light winds becoming SW 10 to 15mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy Mostly cloudy
Temperatures: 39 to 47 deg. F. 29 to 34 deg. F. 40 to 48 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph. 15 to 20mph with gusts to 35mph. 15 to 25mph with gusts to 40mph.
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.

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