THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 4, 2020 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 3, 2020 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

Variable snow surfaces and shallow early season conditions with lots of exposed and barely covered obstacles exist in the backcountry. Travel using normal caution. The avalanche danger remains LOW at all elevations. 

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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The shallow snowpack remains supportable enough for backcountry travel right now, but numerous exposed and barely covered obstacles like trees, stumps, rocks, logs, etc litter the slopes. Collisions with these obstacles could have serious consequences for people and/or equipment. Moving at slower speeds on more mellow terrain and being observant can help avoid many of these obstacles. This strategy can also help dust the cobwebs off snow travel skills that went unused during the summer. Avalanche activity will remain unlikely today. 

Now is a great time to practice avalanche rescue skills, route finding, and terrain identification. Practicing safe travel strategies now can help make them a habit for later in the season when the snowpack gets deeper.

recent observations
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A mostly supportable snowpack 1-2 ft. deep exists on northerly aspects above 8600 ft. in the Mt. Rose area, above 7000 ft. along the northern Sierra Crest, and above 8000 ft. along the southern Sierra Crest. The snow surface varies widely. On slopes exposed to the winds, uneven scoured and wind packed surfaces exist. Moving into more sheltered areas these firm surfaces give way to breakable crusts. On the most sheltered northerly facing slopes, some areas of soft surface snow still linger (near-surface facets). The clear cool nights will allow these facets to continue to develop and the facet layer may become weaker and more widespread during this dry spell. More sun-exposed easterly aspects hold sun crusts in the morning and soft wet sticky snow if the crusts melt during daytime warming. Significant snow-melt has occurred on the southerly aspects leaving exposed ground on many of these slopes.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Cold air has settled into the valleys overnight while the upper elevations remained warm with many sensors reporting above freezing temperatures during the night. This inversion should lift during the day today. Expect another clear, sunny, and warm day. This weather pattern should continue through Saturday due to a high-pressure ridge sitting over the area. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 36 to 40 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 45 to 54 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: E then SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 40 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 14 to 18 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 42 to 47 deg. F. 22 to 30 deg. F. 40 to 46 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 38 to 44 deg. F. 22 to 28 deg. F. 36 to 42 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
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