THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 24, 2014 @ 6:37 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 23, 2014 @ 6:37 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

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

1. Low

?

Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

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
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

A strong overnight refreeze is expected to have occurred again last night due to near to below freezing air temperatures and radiational cooling under clear skies. While areas of wet surface snow will form again today in response to daytime heating, the snowpack is expected to remain supportable well into the afternoon hours. Any human triggered loose wet snow instabilities such as roller balls or tiny loose wet avalanches are expected to be small and inconsequential, not presenting a significant hazard to backcountry travelers.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Mt. Lola (Independence Lake area) and on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) fell right in line with other recent observations from around the forecast area. A strong snow surface refreeze had occurred overnight with no evidence of residual wet snow lingering from previous melt cycles. At noon, 1 to 3 inches of surface wet snow on top of supportable melt-freeze crust was observed at all elevations on E and SE aspects. As the afternoon progressed, wet surface snow developed on W and NW aspects as well. Ongoing supportable snow surface conditions were observed up until the conclusion of field work at 4 pm.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure is expected to remain in place over the forecast area through Monday. Sunny skies and above average air temperatures are expected today and tomorrow before snow returns to the forecast for the middle of this week. Ridgetop winds are expected to remain light in speed today and tonight. Winds will shift to the southwest and begin to increase in speed tomorrow afternoon ahead of the approaching weather systems. Maximum daytime air temperatures above 7,000' are forecast to reach the low 40s to mid 50s today and 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: 30 to 34 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 46 to 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Southeast
Average ridgetop wind speed: 16 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 30 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 35 to 46 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 47 to 53 deg. F. 24 to 30 deg. F. 49 to 56 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Variable Variable Southwest
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds increasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 40 to 47 deg. F. 24 to 30 deg. F. 42 to 49 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest to west Variable Southwest
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph Light winds Light winds increasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
Disclaimer

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.