THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 30, 2018 @ 6:42 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 29, 2018 @ 6:42 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger will quickly increase to MODERATE at all elevations as the day warms up. Loose wet avalanche problems will be possible today.

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.

2. Moderate

?

Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Strong spring sunshine and warm daytime temperatures will quickly melt through last night's weak refreeze allowing loose wet avalanche activity to become possible again today. Sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects hold the best potential for loose wet avalanche activity, but some loose wet instability could also form on more northerly aspects where wet surface snow exists. Wet snow instabilities could include pinwheels, rollerballs, and loose wet avalanches. Some of the loose wet avalanches could involve enough snow to bury or injure a person.

Wet sticky snow, boot-top-deep wet snow, active roller balls or pinwheels, and other loose wet avalanches can indicate increasing wet snow instability.  Once signs of wet snow exist, move to a colder more shaded aspect or lower angle slopes.

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Yesterday ski and snowboard cuts triggered loose wet instabilities including pinwheels, roller balls, and small loose wet sluffs on sun-exposed slopes (including NE aspects) on Flagpole Peak (Echo Summit area) and Jake's Peak (near Emerald Bay) starting between 9 and 10 am. 

* Wet sticky snow existed on all aspects including northerly aspects on Jake's Peak and Flagpole Peak by 10 am.

* A natural loose wet avalanche with enough debris to injure a person occurred on Jake's Peak on March 27.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure over the region will keep the weather warm and dry for the next few days. Expect temperatures above 7000 ft. to climb into the 50's today and tomorrow. Light NE winds should shift to the SW and a few clouds could start to move into the area tomorrow. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 32 to 37 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 48 to 52 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 10 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 42 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 74 to 108 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 Partly cloudy becoming clear Partly cloudy
Temperatures: 52 to 57 deg. F. 29 to 34 deg. F. 54 to 59 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Variable Variable Variable
Wind Speed: Light with gusts to 25 mph in the morning Light Light
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny Partly cloudy becoming clear Partly cloudy
Temperatures: 47 to 53 deg. F. 29 to 34 deg. F. 49 to 55 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast Variable Southwest
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph Light 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph
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