THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 28, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 27, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Strong winds will keep the avalanche danger at Moderate due to a wind slab avalanche problem.  Wind slab avalanches will be possible in wind exposed near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Low avalanche danger will exist in below treeline terrain.

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.

1. Low

?

Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    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

Ridgetop winds last night from the West were in the strong to gale force range before shifting back to the NE this morning.  These NE winds are increasing in speed and forecasted to be strong to gale force for today and tonight.  Snow available for wind transport has become more limited, but with the increasing winds, some snow transport should continue in wind prone locations.  Wind slab avalanches will continue to be possible on all aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.

Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and snow surface clues to help identify where current wind slabs may exist.  Firm rain crusts could be present where winds have scoured snow away in wind exposed terrain.

recent observations
Submit Observations

*  Observations from Deep Creek showed little wind effect on lower elevation near treeline snow surfaces.  Along the Sierra Crest, wind scouring was visible with many areas scoured down to shiny rain crusts from the recent NE/E winds.

*  In near treeline terrain at Munchkins (Alpine Meadows area) also showed little wind effect from the recent NE/E wind event.  West slopes had wind scouring with small cornice development on E aspects.  These small cornices were still able to fail with a ski kick.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A chance for light snow showers along with increasing NE winds today and tonight.   Cold temperatures, with highs in the upper teens to 20's, with strong NE winds will make for a cold day out in the mountains.  Wind chills are expected to be near zero degrees above 8000'.  A lake wind advisory is scheduled for Lake Tahoe this evening into Friday morning.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 14 to 20 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 39 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE to W to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 to 45 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 59 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 32 to 37 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Isolated snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 21 to 27. deg. F. 2 to 12. deg. F. 22 to 28. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: North 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Northeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Northeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: Up to 1 inch. | SWE = trace amounts. Trace amounts. | SWE = trace amounts. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Isolated snow showers through the day. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 18 to 23. deg. F. Zero to 10 above zero. deg. F. 20 to 25. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: North 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph increasing to 50 mph in the afternoon. Northeast 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 70 mph. Northeast 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 70 mph.
Expected snowfall: Up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. Trace amounts. | SWE = trace amounts. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
Disclaimer

This avalanche forecast is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This forecast 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 forecast applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This forecast expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this forecast is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

For a recorded version of the avalanche forecast call (530) 587-3558 x258