THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 15, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 14, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger continues with a persistent slab avalanche problem at all elevations.  Large and destructive avalanches are still a concern throughout the forecast region.  Avalanche danger is expected to further rise over the next few days.

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: Persistent Slab
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  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Uncertainty continues to exist with this persistent weak layer that is buried 2 to 4' deep in the snowpack.  The last known avalanche that occurred on this weak layer was on Friday Jan 11.  Snowpack tests have mostly trended towards the layer gaining strength, but some tests continue to show that propagation is likely if the weak layer can be initiated.  The last avalanche occurred in complex terrain triggered by a large cornice failure.

While the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche may be low, the consequences of a large destructive avalanche are high.  Talk with your group about managing terrain.  Avoid areas where large cornices exist above complex terrain.  

recent observations
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*  Observations came in yesterday from Upper Coldstream Canyon and Donner Peak (Donner Summit area), Needle Peak (Pole Creek area), Becker Peak (Echo Pass area), and DK's Canyon (East Shore area).  All of these locations were able to find the old buried facet layer.  Snowpack test results varied by location, with some continuing to produce propagation results with the ECT and PST.  Large surface hoar was seen in most areas.

*  Large massive cornices exist in many near and above treeline areas throughout the forecast region.   

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly cloudy conditions today with a slight chance of light snow through the afternoon and overnight.  Up to 2'' of new snow is expected by Tuesday morning with light to moderate SE winds.  Tuesday will bring the chance for additional light snow amounts and increasing winds.  The main storm on Wednesday afternoon through Thursday still has the possibility to bring feet of snow to the Sierra.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 16 to 19 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 32 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE to E
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 35 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 59 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 44 to 51 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Cloudy. Chance of snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Cloudy. Snow likely. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Temperatures: 28 to 34. deg. F. 20 to 25. deg. F. 30 to 35. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: East winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. South 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.
Expected snowfall: Little or no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 80% probability up to 1 inch. 20% probability of 1 to 3 inches. | SWE = less than 0.15 inch. 70% probability of 1 to 3 inches. 30% probability of 3 to 5 inches. | SWE = up to 0.20 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Cloudy. Chance of snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Cloudy. Snow likely. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 75%.
Temperatures: 22 to 28. deg. F. 18 to 23. deg. F. 24 to 30. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Southeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph. South 15 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph increasing to 55 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: Little or no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 80% probability up to 2 inches. 20% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = less than 0.20 inch. 70% probability of 2 to 4 inches. 30% probability of 4 to 6 inches. | SWE = up to 0.30 inch.
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