THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 5, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 4, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger will exist throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  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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The snowpack continues to gain strength and consolidate.  At most locations above 7000', 2.5 feet of snow exists with up to 5 feet of snow at higher elevations.  Forecasted light snow showers and winds today should not be able to create any meaningful wind slab development.  Wet surface snow may continue in areas that didn't receive an overnight freeze or in densely treed areas.  Normal caution is advised. 

Continue to practice safe travel protocols while in the backcountry.  Check your avalanche rescue equipment and find the time to practice avalanche rescue scenarios with your partners.

recent observations
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* Wet and heavy snow was observed below 8000' on all aspects with colder winter snow at higher elevations.

* Small loose wet avalanche (D1) observed on the S side of Castle Peak.

* Snowpits from Castle Peak and Red Lake Peak showed a mostly right side up and deep (for early December) snowpack.  A mostly supportable snowpack exists above 7000', 2.5 to 5' deep.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Another morning of dense fog, mist, and low lying clouds.  Light snow showers are expected later today with up to 2-4'' forecasted along with light winds.  Snow levels should be under 7000'.  This system should move out by Thursday morning.  A winter storm watch is in effect for Friday afternoon through Sunday morning with a larger Sierra storm forecasted.  

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 37 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Variable
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 27 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 34 to 54 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Cloudy. Scattered snow showers in the morning, then widespread snow showers in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Cloudy. Scattered snow showers through the night. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 30 to 35. deg. F. 23 to 28. deg. F. 35 to 40. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: 40% probability of 1 to 3 inches. 60% probability no accumulation. | SWE = up to 0.20 inch. 20% probability up to 1 inch. 80% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. 90% probability no accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Cloudy. Scattered snow showers in the morning, then widespread snow showers in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Cloudy. Scattered snow showers through the night. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 26 to 31. deg. F. 21 to 26. deg. F. 32 to 37. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Light winds. Light winds. South around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 60% probability of 2 to 4 inches. 40% probability no accumulation. | SWE = up to 0.20 inch. 30% probability up to 1 inch. 70% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 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