THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 1, 2020 @ 6:51 am
Avalanche Forecast published on November 30, 2020 @ 6:51 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Normal caution tactics are advised for any travel in avalanche terrain at this time. Anticipate shallow snowcover, early season conditions. Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations.

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: Normal Caution
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SW winds are increasing today and some minor amounts of drifting snow may occur. The expected minor amounts of newly drift deposited snow are unlikely to create any new problematic wind slabs. Any newly formed areas of wind slab are expected to be small, thin, and not extend very far downslope. If you encounter areas of drifting snow today, pause to evaluate and confirm whether or not what you see matches with the forecast expectations. Normal caution tactics and companion rescue gear are advised for any travel in avalanche terrain today.

recent observations
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Snowpit data and other field observations indicate that avalanches are unlikely at this time. The existing snowpack is shallow but supportable for over snow travel. Numerous obstacles such as rocks, logs, etc are usually easily avoidable with a little care (i.e. slower speeds and conservative route choices). On northerly aspects protected from wind and sun, faceting processes are at work, especially on the upper portion of the snowpack. In sun exposed areas melt-freeze has affected the snow surface. Some southerly aspects hold a strong and consolidated snowpack or are bare ground. In wind exposed areas near and above treeline, some scouring has occurred with rough (sastrugi) and sometimes firm snow surface conditions. Historically, some of our most problematic weak layers tend to form during dry spells such as the current one, so snowpack monitoring remains ongoing.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A dry cold front will move through the forecast area this afternoon. Ridgetop winds have shifted to the SW and are increasing in speed. Moderate to strong winds are forecast over the ridgetops today, strongest over the northern portion of the forecast area. Winds are expected to shift to the NW tonight and on to the NE tomorrow. Wind speeds are forecast to begin decreasing after midnight tonight, continuing at moderate speed 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: 29 to 34 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 42 to 45 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 21 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 46 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 14 to 19 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 42 to 47. deg. F. 21 to 27. deg. F. 37 to 43. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds becoming west around 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph. West around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the evening becoming light. Light east winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. 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. 33 to 41. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph increasing to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph in the afternoon. Northwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph decreasing 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph by midnight. Northeast around 15 mph with gusts to 35 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