THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 14, 2020 @ 6:44 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 13, 2020 @ 6:44 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Small loose wet instabilities could form today as daytime warming occurs.  LOW avalanche danger will continue at all elevations.  Avalanche danger is expected to rise tomorrow as a large storm impacts our region

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: Loose Wet
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Warm temperatures with sunny skies will allow the snow surface to soften on solar aspects as daytime warming occurs.  Small loose wet instabilities could occur in the late morning and afternoon hours.  Increasing SW winds this afternoon should limit some of the warming and softening in wind exposed areas.  The majority of these loose wet instabilities are expected to be small in size.

Monitor the snow surface warming and supportability throughout the day.  The best travel conditions will be in the mid to late morning hours on wind protected terrain.  As the snow becomes wet and punchy, it's time to change aspects and/or elevations or call it a day.

recent observations
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Observations were made on Powderhouse Peak in the Luther Pass area yesterday.  Breakable melt freeze crusts were encountered on all northerly aspects up to the peak.  South and east aspects softened throughout the day providing more enjoyable travel.   

A weak upper snowpack structure continues to exist throughout the forecast region on northerly aspects in near and below treeline areas.  Weak crusts and loose sugary snow make up the upper snowpack in many of these locations.  This weak snow structure remains a concern for a possible deep slab avalanche problem with a large loading event in the forecast. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Today will be another spring like day for our area with sunny skies and highs into the 40's to low 50's.  Winds will shift to the SW and increase this afternoon ahead of a strong storm starting late tonight.  Light snow will start tonight and continue through the weekend and possibly into Monday and Tuesday.  Several feet of snow is expected along the Sierra Crest with over 1' forecasted for lake level.   

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 28 to 35 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 36 to 46 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 67 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 34 to 48 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the evening. Chance of snow through the night. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Mostly cloudy. Snow likely. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Temperatures: 46 to 51. deg. F. 27 to 32. deg. F. 33 to 39. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds becoming southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph in the afternoon. Southwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 70 mph. Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 70 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. 70% probability up to 2 inches. 30% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. 70% probability of 1 to 3 inches. 30% probability of 3 to 6 inches. | SWE = 0.15-0.40 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Chance of snow through the night. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 45%. Mostly cloudy. Snow likely. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 65%.
Temperatures: 40 to 46. deg. F. 24 to 29. deg. F. 28 to 34. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: South 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph increasing to southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph in the afternoon. Southwest 30 to 45 mph increasing to 35 to 55 mph after midnight. Gusts up to 95 mph. Southwest 35 to 50 mph with gusts to 95 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. 70% probability up to 2 inches. 30% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. 70% probability of 2 to 4 inches. 30% probability of 4 to 8 inches. | SWE = 0.15-0.40 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