THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 18, 2015 @ 6:33 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 17, 2015 @ 6:33 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

Despite above freezing air temperatures last night at the mid and upper elevations, a decent overnight snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred due to radiational cooling under clear skies. Frozen snow surfaces on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects this morning will give way to surface wet snow formation as the day progresses. Snow surface conditions are likely to remain supportable into the afternoon hours with minimal loose wet instability expected.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Tamarack Peak (Mount Rose area) and on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) indicated stable snowpack conditions. Wet surface snow formed on ESE-SE-S aspects by mid morning at the mid and upper elevations, expanding to nearly all sun exposed areas on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects as the day progressed. Surface wet snow amounts reached 2 to 3 inches during the afternoon hours with no signs of wet snow instability observed or reported. NW-N-NE aspects were noted to remain in a frozen state as a mix of breakable crust and isolated pockets of shallow unconsolidated surface snow.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure continues to build over the forecast area. Sunny skies, light winds, and above average air temperatures are expected today and tomorrow. Inversion conditions persist with remote sensors reporting air temperatures in the 40s this morning between 7,800' and 9,600' with 20s and 30s on the mountain valley floors. Maximum daytime air temperatures are forecast to reach the mid 40s to mid 50s today for areas above 7,000'. About 5 degrees of further warming is expected for tomorrow as compared to today.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 38 to 44 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 50 to 57 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Northeast
Average ridgetop wind speed: 8 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 18 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 29 to 45 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 49 to 56 deg. F. 27 to 34 deg. F. 55 to 61 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Variable Variable Variable
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 45 to 52 deg. F. 29 to 36 deg. F. 50 to 56 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Variable Variable Variable
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds
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.