This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This advisory 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 advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.


This Avalanche Advisory was published on February 1, 2009:

February 1, 2009 at 7:42 am

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised.

Forecast Discussion:

High pressure will dominate the weather over the forecast area for the next few days. Expect sunny skies and light to moderate ridgetop winds. Air temperatures are forecast to be a few degrees cooler today than yesterday. Air temperatures will still climb into the mid 30s to low 40s at most locations.

General observations and snowpit data from around the forecast area continue to indicate a stable snowpack. Some faceting has been observed within the recent storm snow and around the January 22-23 rain crust. Large patches of surface hoar formation have been observed in wind protected open areas, generally at lower elevations. These layers are not a problem at this time, but may become problematic as the possibility of precipitation develops for later in the week. For today, natural and human triggered avalanches remain unlikely.

Snow surface conditions are very dependent on aspect and wind exposure. Above treeline, expect high density wind affected snow surfaces on all aspects. In sun exposed areas, melt-freeze conditions exist, especially at lower elevations. Very enjoyable unconsolidated snow surface conditions remain in wind sheltered areas on NW-N-NE aspects.


The bottom line:

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised.


Brandon Schwartz - Avalanche Forecaster, Tahoe National Forest

Weather Observations from along the Sierra Crest between 8200 ft and 8800 ft:

0600 temperature: 22 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 44 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: East shifting to west, then shifting back to east.
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 10 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 33 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours: O inches
Total snow depth: 68 inches

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast - Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS

For 7000-8000 ft:
  Sunday: Sunday Night: Monday:
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 38 to 45 deg. F. 21 to 29 deg. F. 41 to 48 deg. F.
Wind direction: NE NE E shifting to S in the afternoon.
Wind speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Less than 10 mph. Less than 10 mph.
Expected snowfall: O in. O in. O in.

For 8000-9000 ft:
  Sunday: Sunday Night: Monday:
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 35 to 42 deg. F. 22 to 29 deg. F. 38 to 45 deg. F.
Wind direction: NE NE E shifting to S in the afternoon.
Wind speed: 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 40 mph. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: O in. O in. O in.