THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 7, 2020 @ 6:41 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 6, 2020 @ 6:41 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

 As the day progresses, snow surface melt in areas of direct sun exposure will create loose wet avalanche problems. An increase to MODERATE avalanche danger will occur today at all elevations.

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: Loose Wet
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Increased sunshine, well above freezing air temperatures, and decreased winds will all combine today to create increased snow surface melt. A loose wet avalanche problem will develop as the day progresses mainly on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. Avalanche size is expected mainly at D1 with up to size D2 possible. When more than a couple of inches of surface wet snow is present, anticipate loose wet avalanches.

Pay particular attention to areas that remain a transitional mix of wet snow over drier snow. These are the areas most capable of creating a size D2 avalanche, especially if a long vertical run is possible. Also consider how hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, or terrain traps below may greatly increase the consequences of an otherwise small and inconsequential avalanche.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area) and in the Emerald Bay Chutes reported highly variable snow surface conditions. In many areas, the most recent new snow remains transitional, not having gone through a sufficient number of melt-freeze cycles to assimilate with the older rain crust and melt-freeze snow beneath it. Snow surface melt was noted yesterday at mid and lower elevations. At mid and upper elevations, numerous areas of very firm snow surfaces interspersed with small, shallow wind slabs exist.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure is building over the region. Sunny skies, above freezing air temperatures, and decreased NE ridgetop winds are forecast for today. Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow with additional daytime warming. Winds are expected to increase again on Saturday ahead of an approaching cold front. A gale force NE wind event is forecast for Sunday.

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 33 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 33 to 38 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 38 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 82 mph
New snowfall: 0 to trace inches
Total snow depth: 41 to 53 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 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels 7000 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 42 to 48. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 46 to 52. 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 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels 7000 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 38 to 44. deg. F. 20 to 25. deg. F. 41 to 47. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. North around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. North around 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.
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