THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 21, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 20, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems.  Human triggered avalanches are possible today.

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: Wind Slab
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Wind slab avalanches will be possible on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain due to strong SW winds along with new snowfall.  Wind slab size is expected to be small in many areas that received the lower end of new snow amounts.  In places that received more snow, wind slab avalanches could be large enough to injure or bury a backcountry user. 

Look for blowing snow, wind pillows, and cornice development.  Utilize terrain options to avoid areas of concern.   

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
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Loose wet avalanches will be possible on all aspects at lower elevations as warming occurs today.  Snow levels could fluctuate during the day with light rain weakening the upper snowpack.  Periods of sun in some areas could also lead to rapid warming conditions.  Mild overnight temperatures existed in many areas below 7500' with a marginal, if any overnight refreeze.  Near and above treeline areas are expected to remain cooler with cloud cover and strong SW winds.

Monitor weather conditions in your area.  Rapid warming from intense periods of sun or rain on snow will make loose wet avalanche instabilities more likely.

recent observations
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*  Loose wet avalanches and instabilities were reported yesterday from Mt. Judah (Donner Summit area) and the Emerald Bay area.  Wet snow instabilities started in the early afternoon hours.

*  At higher elevations on Slide Mountain (Mt. Rose area) small wet snow instabilities existed.  Cloud cover increased in the afternoon and helped to limit some warming.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Remote sensors are reporting 3 to 4'' of new snowfall overnight along the Sierra Crest.  Strong SW winds will continue along with a few more inches of snow possible for today and tonight.  Winds will decrease slightly this afternoon before shifting to the W/NW tonight.  Snow levels are forecasted to stay around 6500' throughout the day.  Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon for our area.  This pattern will continue into Thursday with a weather break on Friday. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 25 to 31 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 38 to 46 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: E shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 71 mph
New snowfall: 3 to 4 inches
Total snow depth: 114 to 152 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow showers in the morning, then widespread snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 75%. Cloudy. Widespread snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then chance of snow showers after midnight. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 65%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 45%.
Temperatures: 35 to 40. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 34 to 39. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: South 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. West to northwest winds around 10 mph. West to northwest winds around 10 mph.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability up to 1 inch. 30% probability 1 to 2 inches. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow showers in the morning, then widespread snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 75%. Cloudy. Widespread snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then chance of snow showers after midnight. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 65%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Temperatures: 30 to 36. deg. F. 18 to 24. deg. F. 29 to 35. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: South 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph in the morning decreasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the afternoon. West to northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. West to northwest around 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability up to 1 inch. 30% probability 1 to 3 inches. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. up to 2 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 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