Avalanche Forecast published on November 27, 2018 @ 2:18 pm
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Early Season Conditions Update #2

Ongoing periods of precipitation are expected through the end of the week with several feet of new snow possible over the mid and upper elevations. Early season conditions exist along with some avalanche concerns. Daily avalanche advisories will begin on Nov 29 if the storms materialize as forecast. 

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Above Treeline

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Near Treeline

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Below Treeline
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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Wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain remain the main avalanche problem to look for at this time as new snow combines with strong to gale force SW winds. The main concentration of any new wind slabs will occur on N-NE-E aspects and to a lesser extent on other aspects. Look for and avoid areas of newly drifted snow.

recent observations
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*Recent observations from the Carson Pass, Echo Summit, Donner Pass, and Mount Rose areas all indicate that the snowpack is in good condition to handle new snow loading in the vast majority of areas.

*The existing snowpack is borderline usable along the Sierra Crest above 8,000'. Below 8,000' and along the Carson Range to the east, the snowpack is too thin to be usable.

*In general the snowpack below 9,000' is a mix of rain crust and wet grains. Above 9,000' areas of dry snow exist with some amount of upside down layering structure.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Ongoing storms through the rest of this week with feet of new snow possible over the mid and upper elevations. Check with Reno NWS for the latest info. Updates to the 2-Day Mountain Weather forecast are available here.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Rain and snow in the afternoon. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 85%. Mostly cloudy. Rain and snow in the evening, then chance of rain and snow after midnight. Snow levels 8000 feet decreasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 75%. Cloudy. Rain in the morning. Snow likely through the day. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Temperatures: 41 to 46. deg. F. 28 to 33. deg. F. 33 to 39. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest 15 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph increasing to 55 mph in the afternoon. Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability...of 1 to 4 inches. 30% probability...of 4 to 6 inches. | SWE = up to 0.25 inch. 60% probability...up to 4 inches. 40% probability...up to 2 inches. | SWE = up to 0.40 inch. 70% probability...of 1 to 3 inches. 30% probability...of 3 to 6 inches. | SWE = 0.15-0.40 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Snow in the afternoon. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Mostly cloudy. Snow and rain in the evening, then chance of snow after midnight. Snow levels 8000 feet decreasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Cloudy. Snow in the morning, then chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Temperatures: 36 to 42. deg. F. 25 to 30. deg. F. 27 to 33. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 30 to 50 mph with gusts to 85 mph. Southwest 30 to 45 mph decreasing to 25 to 35 mph after midnight. Gusts up to 85 mph. Southwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 70 mph.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability...of 1 to 3 inches. 30% probability...of 3 to 5 inches. | SWE = up to 0.25 inch. 60% probability...of 2 to 5 inches. 40% probability...up to 2 inches. | SWE = 0.15-0.40 inch. 70% probability...of 2 to 4 inches. 30% probability...of 4 to 7 inches. | SWE = 0.20-0.45 inch.
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