THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 17, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 16, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations within 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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    Certain
    Very Likely
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No specific avalanche problems of concern exist within the forecast area at this time. Normal caution is advised.

Recent areas of blowing snow have produced only tiny superficial wind slabs near and above treeline. All observed wind slabs have been too small to present a significant hazard to backcountry travelers. Warming air temperatures today may allow for some snow surface melt, but loose wet avalanche problems are very unlikely.

Firm wind scoured surfaces and crusts exist in most near and above treeline areas and could pose a travel hazard in steep terrain.

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Observations made over the past two days on Ellis Peak (Blackwood Canyon area) and on Meiss Ridge (Carson Pass area) showed very minor recent wind transport of snow and no problematic wind slab development.  Snow surfaces ranged from firm crusts in wind and/or sun exposed areas to soft snow in shaded wind protected areas.

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

* Thin snow cover conditions exist throughout the forecast area on all aspects at lower elevations. Thin snow cover or bare ground exists on most sun exposed aspects at all elevations with a few notable exceptions.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A warming air temperature trend, sunny skies, and light to moderate speed ridgetop winds are expected for today and Saturday. Ridgetop winds are expected to increase to 90 mph late Saturday night into Sunday with the approach of a cold front. Snow showers are possible on Sunday as the cold front moves through the region. Cold arctic air will move into the forecast area following frontal passage. This arctic air will likely produce the coldest mid and upper elevation air temperatures so far this winter.

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 34 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 32 to 36 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: NE 30 mph | SW 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: NE 63 mph | SW 25 mph
New snowfall: 0 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.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 40 to 45 deg. F. 25 to 30 deg. F. 43 to 48 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW Variable SW
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds becoming 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 36 to 42 deg. F. 24 to 29 deg. F. 39 to 45 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW N SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the evening, becoming light. Light winds becoming 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon.
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