THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 13, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 12, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger will exist this morning while the snow surface remains frozen and firm. As the day warms up and the frozen snow starts to soften and melt, the avalanche danger may increase to MODERATE. Some loose wet avalanche problems could become possible if enough daytime warming occurs. 

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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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
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A strong refreeze over the past few days has left a thick frozen crust on the snow surface. In some areas, there may not be enough warming today to melt all the way through this crust. In other places, enough warming may occur for some loose wet snow instabilities to become possible. Most of these should remain small. However, if the surface crust does melt, larger loose wet avalanches that could entrain the wet snow below crust may become possible. Expect more potential for larger loose wet avalanches tomorrow since more dramatic warming is forecasted. 

Maintain awareness of conditions and terrain by looking for signs of warming snow. Step off your equipment to see if the melt/freeze crust remains supportable. If it is not and you sink into wet snow or you start to see roller balls or pinwheels, it is time to call it a day or move to low angle slopes. 

recent observations
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* Observations on Blackwood Ridge yesterday found a thick frozen crust on all aspects that did not show signs of melting. In some sheltered areas, a thin dusting of new snow existed on top of the crust. In exposed areas, the snow surface was icy and firm. No signs of snowpack instability were observed. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Yesterday's storm left a trace of new snow in some areas and none in others. Light to moderate northerly winds should continue today while a high-pressure ridge moves into the area. Expect mostly sunny skies for today with slightly cooler than normal temperatures. The forecast calls for a sunny spring-like day with dramatically warmer temperatures 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: 20 to 25 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 29 to 37 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 25 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 45 mph
New snowfall: trace to 0 inches
Total snow depth: 105 to 155 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 39 to 44 deg. F. 28 to 35 deg. F. 51 to 57 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds becoming northeast around 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 mph. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 33 to 41 deg. F. 28 to 35 deg. F. 44 to 52 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Northeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Southeast around 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. 90% probability no accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
Disclaimer

This avalanche forecast is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This forecast 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 forecast applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This forecast expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this forecast is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

For a recorded version of the avalanche forecast call (530) 587-3558 x258