THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 23, 2020 @ 6:54 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 22, 2020 @ 6:54 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Highly variable conditions are expected today with sunshine and snow surface melt in some locations and very light snowfall and frozen all day surfaces in other locations. Areas of very firm snow surfaces exist with a potential sliding fall hazard. LOW avalanche danger exists with normal caution advised.

1. Low

?

Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

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
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Following a decent to strong snow surface refreeze for all areas last night, conditions will vary today from one end of the forecast area to another. For areas south of about Hwy 50, periods of cloud cover and light snow showers are expected today. Little to no snow surface melt is expected. The 1 inch or less of new snow that is forecast for this area today is not enough to create any new avalanche problems. For areas north of about Hwy 50, a mix of clouds and sun is expected with the potential for some snow surface melt. Minor loose wet instabilities are unlikely but not impossible this afternoon in areas of direct sun exposure and minimal cloud cover.

There are lots of areas with firm snow surfaces out there and sliding falls leading to impacts with rocks or trees is an ongoing concern. Plan accordingly in terms of terrain, route selection, group ability, and equipment.

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Diurnal melt-freeze conditions have been dominant on sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.

* Highly variable snow surface conditions exist on NW-N-NE aspects. Mostly firm conditions exist near and above treeline. A mix of breakable to supportable crust with pockets of softer faceted surface snow exists in below treeline areas with NE wind protection.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A weak weather system will pass by, mostly to the south of the forecast area today. Moderate speed E winds are blowing over the ridgetops this morning and are expected to become light as the day progresses. Thicker cloud cover has moved into areas south of Lake Tahoe. Very light snow may fall over the forecast area today with the greatest likelihood for locations south of Hwy 50. A mix of sunshine and cloud cover is expected over the northern end of the forecast area. Cloud cover is forecast to rapidly clear the region tonight. Sunny skies, above freezing air temperatures, and light to moderate speed W winds are forecast for tomorrow.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 27 to 31 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 35 to 47 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 13 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 31 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 39 to 48 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow throughout the day. Slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Clear. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 43 to 49. deg. F. 24 to 29. deg. F. 44 to 49. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds becoming west around 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 mph.
Expected snowfall: 10% probability up to 1 inch north of Highway 50. 90% probability of no accumulation north of Highway 50. 100% probability up to 1 inch south of Highway 50. | SWE = trace amounts. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow throughout the day. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 36 to 42. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 38 to 44. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Light winds. Northwest around 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph after midnight. West 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 10% probability up to 1 inch north of Highway 50. 90% probability of no accumulation north of Highway 50. 100% probability up to 1 inch south of Highway 50. | SWE = trace amounts. 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