THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 14, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 13, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low Avalanche Danger is expected throughout the forecast region today.  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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  • Aspect/Elevation ?

Hard wind slabs exist in near and above treeline terrain due to the recent winds.  These wind slabs have shown limited signs of instability and should be small in size and not extend very far downslope.  The shallowly buried 12/4 surface hoar layer has shown little reactivity up to this point, with it lacking a problematic slab on top.  Many obstacles still exist with early season conditions present.  Normal caution is advised.

Practice safe travel protocols;  have a travel plan for the day, travel through avalanche terrain one at a time, regroup out of avalanche terrain, and practice effective communication within your group.

recent observations
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*  Observations from Mt. Houghton (Mt. Rose area) and Elephants Hump (Carson Pass area) showed widespread hard wind slabs that formed from the recent winds in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  These wind slabs did show some cracking, but instabilities were limited at both locations.

*  The 12/4 buried surface hoar layer has been found in some areas of the forecast region.  In most places, it is shallowly buried lacking a problematic slab, with little signs of reactivity at this point.  The preservation of this layer and distribution varies by location.

*  Hard wind slabs exist in most wind exposed near and above treeline terrain.  Unconsolidated snow is limited to northerly protected below treeline terrain.

*  Sufficient snow coverage exists along the Sierra Crest above 7000-7500'.  East of the Crest, snow coverage decreases with some areas still having adequate snow coverage for recreation.  Early season conditions exist in most areas.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Warming temperatures and light winds return to our area today.  SW winds will increase on Friday, as a storm moves past us to our north.  A High Wind Watch is in effect for Friday afternoon and evening.  Little to no precipitation is expected out of this disturbance.  Our next chance of snow will be Sunday/Monday.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 27 to 38 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 41 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 53 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 26 to 32 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 42 to 47. deg. F. 23 to 29. deg. F. 42 to 47. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds becoming south 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 40 to 45. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 38 to 44. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph after midnight. South 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 85 mph increasing to 35 to 55 mph with gusts to 110 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
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