THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 16, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 15, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger exists at all elevations throughout the forecast area.  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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Winds will switch once again today and be moderate from the NE with gusts up to 45mph over exposed ridges.  These winds will continue to move small amounts of snow around in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  With limited available snow for transport, any new wind slab development is expected to be minor and not pose a risk to 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
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* Observations from Meiss Ridge (Carson Pass area) showed very minor snow transport with strong SW winds over ridges.  Snow surfaces ranged from firm crusts in exposed areas to soft snow in wind protected areas.

* Recent strong winds have scoured most near and above treeline terrain along the Sierra Crest down to firm crusts.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Behind the cold front leaving our region today will be cold northerly flow with moderate to strong NE winds over ridges.  A warming trend will occur into the weekend with high temperatures getting above average up to Saturday with mostly sunny skies.  By Sunday, a cold front will approach our area with increasing winds and significantly colder temperatures.  This storm has limited moisture, but light amounts of snow are expected Sunday night into 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: 12 to 19 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 30 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW shifting to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 75 mph
New snowfall: Trace to 1 inches
Total snow depth: 28 to 49 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 30 to 35 deg. F. 16 to 21 deg. F. 40 to 45 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: NE
Wind Speed: Light winds becoming 10 to 15mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25mph. Light winds Light winds
Expected snowfall: o 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 26 to 32 deg. F. 15 to 20 deg. F. 36 to 42 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NE NE shifting to SW W
Wind Speed: 15 to 25mph. Gusts to 45mph. 10 to 15mph shifting to the SW after midnight. Gusts up to 30mph. 10 to 15mph with gusts to 30mph.
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