THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 15, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 14, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger will continue today throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  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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Small isolated wind slabs may exist in near treeline and above treeline terrain throughout the forecast area.  Strong SW winds today will increase in speed this afternoon which may cause small amounts of snow transport and new wind slab development.  The amount of available snow for transport is limited with firm crusts existing in most exposed areas.  Any wind slabs are expected to be shallow and small and not pose a risk for backcountry travel.

Firm wind scoured surfaces and crusts exist in most near and above treeline terrain that could pose falling hazards.  Low snow conditions exist throughout the forecast area at lower elevations with many obstacles and hazards present.  Normal caution is advised.

 

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Small superficial wind slabs existed in isolated areas at Grouse Rock (Ward Canyon area) yesterday.  These were small and in isolated near treeline terrain and did not pose a problem for backcountry travel.

* Recent NE winds have scoured most near and above treeline terrain along the Sierra Crest.

* In wind protected areas, 1 to 4'' of new soft snow exists on top of firm crusts on most aspects.  Soft unconsolidated snow continues to exist below the new storm snow on northerly protected aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A fast moving system will move past our forecast area to our north today and tonight.  This will bring increasing winds, clouds, and the possibility of a trace amount of snow for the northern half of the forecast area.  Strong SW winds are forecasted today and into tonight with gusts up to 50mph over exposed ridges.  Colder air will move into the area for Thursday with a NE flow before a warming trend into the weekend.

A colder pattern is developing for next week starting Sunday with the potential for a series of smaller storms to hit our area.

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 26 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 30 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 35 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 47 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 29 to 50 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny, then becoming mostly cloudy. Partly cloudy. Isolated snow showers. Partly cloudy then becoming sunny.
Temperatures: 32 to 37 deg. F. 14 to 19 deg. F. 30 to 35 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW NE
Wind Speed: 15 to 25mph. Gusts to 35mph. 15 to 20mph with gusts to 35mph in the evening becoming light. Light winds becoming 10 to 15mph with gusts to 30mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 Trace 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny then becoming mostly cloudy. Partly cloudy. Isolated snow showers after midnight. Partly cloudy then becoming sunny.
Temperatures: 25 to 30 deg. F. 11 to 16 deg. F. 26 to 32 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW NE
Wind Speed: 10 to15mph with gusts to 35mph increasing to 20 to 30mph with gusts to 45mph in the afternoon. 20 to 30mph with gusts to 50mph decreasing to 10 to 15mph with gusts to 35mph after midnight. 15 to 25mph with gusts to 35mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 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