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.

A fast-moving low-pressure system has brought cold temperatures, some snow, and strong winds with gusts above 70 mph to the forecast area. This storm should only produce 3-6 inches of light snow in the mountains before it moves out the area by tomorrow. After this system the weather should dry out again until around Thanksgiving. The snow amounts and intensity of the Thanksgiving storm remains uncertain at this time. Stay tuned for more updates as the holiday approaches. For more information on the upcoming storm check out the Reno NWS website.

Currently, snow coverage across the forecast area remains "spotty" at best. Most of the snow that fell during the October 4th-6th storm melted during the fall. In the areas that it did not melt, it has transformed into an ice crust that coats the ground. Some hard, icy snow still remains from last season at the base of the current snowpack in areas where large amounts of wind loading typically occurs as well. These base layers mostly exist on N-NE aspects above 8000 ft. These hard, icy base layers do cover most of the anchors (rocks, logs, etc) on the slopes where they are present thus creating a smooth, efficient bed surface for future avalanche activity. The snow that fell during November either accumulated on top of these hard, icy base layers or on bare ground in areas where these layers do not exist. Recent observations around the forecast area show that the November snow has turned into weak, sugary snow (facets).  So in areas where the hard icy base layer exists, it serves as a great bed surface and the sugary November snow is a weak layer. All that is missing for avalanche activity in those areas is the slab on top of those two layers.  

The new snow that falls over the next 24 hours will only disguise some of the obstacles on the ground. Until more snow falls, snow travel will require dodging shallowly buried rocks, logs, trees, and other knee-breaking, track-tearing, ski-destroying obstacles. Shaded forest roads near the Sierra Crest and above 7,000' will represent the first areas to hold enough snow for traveling on. Even then plan on hitting a few rocks during your outing. In some of the most heavily wind loaded areas directly below ridgelines as well as gully features pockets of wind slabs may form on top of the existing snowpack.  Wind loading can amplify snow accumulation by 2-10 times what falls from the sky. Make constant observations as you travel, looking for indications of current or recent snowpack instability. This includes recent avalanche activity, wind loading, collapse, audible whumpfing sounds, shooting cracks, and/or test slope failure.

Each person should travel with avalanche rescue equipment including a transceiver, probe, and shovel with which they are well practiced. Allow only one person at a time to travel on slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees. Travel cautiously and slowly. Winter will get here, and it will bring snow. An early season injury will mean sitting at home watching movies while friends enjoy boundless powder days later in the season. A great way to satiate early season excitement is to put fresh batteries in avalanche transceivers and practice rescue skills. Check out the avalanche tutorials specifically designed for skiers and for snowmobilers at the Forest Service National Avalanche Center web site.

Current remote weather station data from the NWS can be found by clicking here. A general weather forecast for the area can be found by clicking here.

The bottom line:

Early Season Conditions Update #3

Daily avalanche advisories are planned to resume in mid November or later as conditions dictate. Occasional intermittent early season updates to this page will occur earlier as conditions warrant.

Andy Anderson - Avalanche Forecaster, Tahoe National Forest

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

0600 temperature:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors inches
Total snow depth:	See NWS and Snotel remote sensors inches

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

For 7000-8000 ft:
	Friday:	Friday Night:	Saturday:
Weather:	Check the NWS website for the latest weather forecast.	Check the NWS website for the latest weather forecast.	Check the NWS website for the latest weather forecast.
Temperatures:	deg. F.	deg. F.	deg. F.
Wind direction:
Wind speed:
Expected snowfall:	O in.	O in.	O in.
For 8000-9000 ft:
	Friday:	Friday Night:	Saturday:
Weather:	Check the NWS website for the latest weather forecast.	Check the NWS website for the latest weather forecast.	Check the NWS website for the latest weather forecast.
Temperatures:	deg. F.	deg. F.	deg. F.
Wind direction:
Wind speed:
Expected snowfall:	O in.	O in.	O in.