THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 7, 2020 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 6, 2020 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Warm temperatures today will make loose wet avalanches possible as daytime warming occurs into the mid-day to afternoon hours.  MODERATE avalanche danger is expected at all elevations.  Updated at 8:15am to correct problem rose.

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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    Very Likely
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Warm temperatures with similar conditions are forecasted again for our area today.  Loose wet avalanches will become possible as daytime warming occurs into the late morning through afternoon hours.  Strong to gale force SW winds should limit snow surface softening on above treeline terrain on S-SW-W aspects.  Areas where the snow surface is still transitioning to melt freeze crusts will have the greatest chances of producing loose wet avalanches.

The best time to recreate on southerly aspects will be in the mid to late morning hours in wind protected terrain.  Snow quality will decrease with the possibility of loose wet avalanches occurring as the snow surface becomes wet and punchy into the afternoon hours. 

recent observations
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Observations were made on Mt. Judah in the Donner Summit area yesterday.  Warm daytime temperatures softened the snow surface quickly and provided good corn snow conditions at 10am on east aspects and by 11am on south aspects.  Thick melt freeze crusts existed with 2'' of corn snow on these southerly aspects.  Transitional snow that has not been through enough melt freeze cycles to consolidate was found in some areas on east aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Warm temperatures with gusty SW winds will continue today.  Overnight temperatures were warm with few sensors reporting near or below the freezing mark.  Partly sunny skies are expected this morning with increasing clouds throughout the day.  Ridgetop winds should peak in the 80-100mph range late tonight or early Saturday morning ahead of a cold front that moves into our area bringing snow.  3 to 6'' of snow is expected in the mountains on Saturday with 1 to 3'' at lake level with the snow level around 5500'.  Unsettled weather could continue through 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: 32 to 38 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 41 to 49 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 60 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 36 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: Partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Temperatures: 45 to 50. deg. F. 27 to 31. deg. F. 28 to 32. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: South to southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph. South 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 80% probability of 2 to 4 inches. 20% probability of 4 to 6 inches. | SWE = 0.20-0.40 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Temperatures: 38 to 45. deg. F. 23 to 27. deg. F. 22 to 28. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 70 mph. Southwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 75 mph increasing to 35 to 50 mph with gusts to 100 mph after midnight. Southwest 30 to 50 mph with gusts to 90 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 80% probability of 3 to 6 inches. 20% probability of 6 to 9 inches. | SWE = 0.40 to 0.70 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