THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 22, 2019 @ 6:30 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 21, 2019 @ 6:30 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger exists this morning while the snow surface is frozen and supportable. As daytime warming progresses, MODERATE avalanche danger will develop at all elevations as the snow surface melts and a loose wet avalanche problem develops. Please note that this is the last avalanche forecast for the 2018-2019 season.

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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    Very Likely
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A decent snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night, especially at the mid and upper elevations. Air temperatures were below freezing last night in nearly all locations. Warming will be slightly more gradual today, but air temperatures are expected to warm above freezing.  A loose wet avalanche problem is expected to develop today on all aspects at all elevations once the frozen snow surface melts away. Avalanche size is expected mostly at D1 with up to size D2 possible.

Continually monitor the snow surface conditions and melt rate as you travel. Once the snow surface melts enough that deep or unsupportable wet snow is encountered, it is time to exercise lower angle route options in order to minimize exposure to the loose wet avalanche hazard. 

recent observations
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* Yesterday, little to no refreeze was reported in most areas. By late morning, conditions were conducive to loose wet avalanches in many areas.

* Loose wet avalanche conditions have existed daily.

* Air temperatures dropped below freezing last night for the first time in several nights.

* Snowpack instability is expected to occur near the surface with the deeper snowpack generally well consolidated.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The weather disturbance that brought cloud cover and snow/rain showers to the forecast area yesterday is moving off to the SE. Air temperatures fell below freezing last night for many locations. Ridgetop winds shifted from the SW to NE early this morning. For today expect decreasing cloud cover, air temperatures warming back above freezing, and moderate speed NE winds. NE winds are forecast to continue into Tuesday with sunny skies and additional warming this week.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 27 to 30 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 37 to 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 33 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 76 mph
New snowfall: 0 to trace inches
Total snow depth: 95 to 148 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Clear. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 41 to 47 deg. F. 26 to 31 deg. F. 47 to 53 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds becoming north 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph. Northeast 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Northeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Clear. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 36 to 41 deg. F. 24 to 29 deg. F. 40 to 47 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: North 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Northeast 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Northeast 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
Expected snowfall: 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