THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 1, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 31, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations. Continue to use normal caution while traveling in the backcountry.

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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    Certain
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Today's sunny skies and warm temperatures should provide enough warming to create corn snow conditions on sun-exposed SE-S-SW aspects. Some minor wet snow instabilities could form on slopes that experience enough warming. If cloud cover does obscure the sun in an area, it may limit the softening that occurs. On the northerly side of the compass, most exposed slopes hold a mix of hard snow surfaces including wind-scoured icy rain crusts and uneven stiff wind textures. Even though the avalanche danger is LOW, the firm surfaces could make travel challenging and allow for other hazards including long sliding falls.

As the day warms up the snow conditions will change quickly. Maintain awareness of the changing conditions and use this information to find terrain with appropriate conditions for your group. 

recent observations
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* Observations yesterday on Angora Peak, Jakes Peak, and Rose Knob Peak all revealed corn snow conditions with a few inches of wet snow on top of a supportable melt-freeze layer. In all three locations on S aspects, afternoon cloud cover limited warming and provided a longer window of supportable snow. On more ESE aspects of Rose Knob in more treed areas around 7600 ft, observers found deeper wet snow with less supportable conditions by 11:45 am.

* Observations near Scott Lake (Luther Pass) found variable conditions including wet snow on southerly aspects and firm to breakable crusts on shaded slopes and northerly aspects. Snowpit data from a NE slope in that area did identify the old layer of buried surface hoar.   

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Today looks similar to yesterday. Expect warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies with some periods of clouds in some areas. By tomorrow the winds and cloud cover should start to increase ahead of a winter storm expected to arrive over the area tomorrow night. Check in with the Reno NWS for more details.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 29 to 36 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 43 to 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 10 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 20 to 30 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 61 to 80 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly sunny with partly cloudy skies in some areas. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow in the afternoon. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Temperatures: 44 to 49 deg. F. 26 to 31 deg. F. 40 to 45 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. South 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph increasing to 45 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. Up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly sunny with partly cloudy skies in some areas. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet decreasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%.
Temperatures: 40 to 46 deg. F. 25 to 30 deg. F. 36 to 41 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Light winds. Light winds becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph after midnight. Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph shifting to the south 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 65 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. Up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 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