THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 30, 2020 @ 6:55 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 29, 2020 @ 6:55 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

High winds will continue today with blowing snow.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches will remain possible.  MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline terrain with LOW avalanche danger in below treeline areas.

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.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    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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Gale force SW winds were reported throughout the forecast area yesterday.  Last night, winds shifted to the NE and are expected to increase to strong to gale force today.  These NE winds will have available snow to transport back over onto SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects.  Newly formed wind slabs today and wind slabs that formed yesterday could be reactive to human triggering from backcountry users.  Near and above treeline terrain will be a mix of wind slabs, wind scoured snow, and firm crusts.

Blowing snow, wind scouring, and new cornice development will be occurring today in near and above treeline areas.  Better snow quality and more enjoyable conditions will be found today in protected below treeline areas away from the winds. 

recent observations
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Observations were received from Hidden Peak (West Shore area) and Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area).  Gale force SW winds were blowing snow and scouring the snow surface in all but protected below treeline areas.  Newly forming wind slabs were found at both locations.  Small reactive wind slabs and cracking were found on Stevens Peak, while wind slabs remained mostly unreactive on Hidden Peak.  

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Strong to gale force NE winds will be with us today and Thursday keeping it cold at upper elevations.  Wind gusts could reach up to 60 to 90mph today along the higher ridges and peaks.  High pressure strengthens over the region into Saturday with warming temperatures expected.  Sunday brings an abrupt change with a cold front moving through the area.  Cold temperatures with the chance of up to 2'' of snow will be possible on Sunday followed by gusty NE winds for Monday and Tuesday.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 17 to 24 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 26 to 32 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW shifting to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 25 to 45 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 85 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 46 to 55 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet increasing to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 35 to 40. deg. F. 25 to 30. deg. F. 40 to 45. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Northeast to east 5 to 15 mph. Gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon. East around 10 mph. Northeast to east up to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet increasing to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 30 to 36. deg. F. 23 to 28. deg. F. 35 to 41. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph increasing to 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph by the afternoon. East 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. North to northeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 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