THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 23, 2015 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 22, 2015 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger should remain LOW at all elevations and on all aspects today. The meager amount of new snowfall expected today should not increase the avalanche hazard unless snow accumulations greatly exceed expectations. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry.

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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    Very Likely
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Light snowfall on top of a refrozen snowpack should not create significant avalanche hazards today, and avalanche activity will remain unlikely. South of Carson Pass where a possibility for 2 to 4 inches of snow exists, some small wind slabs may form on isolated wind loaded terrain features. If they do form, these wind slabs should not extend very far down slope, and they should remain relatively thin. 

recent observations
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Observations from the north side of Red Lake Peak yesterday showed that the surface crusts on the north aspects have started eroding in some areas leaving a thin breakable surface crust with a few inches of soft sugary snow below it (video). Below that soft snow, a thick, strong, and frozen rain crust exists. Father north on Castle Peak, the surface crust on the northerly aspects remained firm and supportable. On the sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW aspects on Castle Peak, 1-3 inches of soft corn snow existed above a well-consolidated and supportable snowpack by 11 am.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

 Temperatures started falling last night and overnight lows above 8000 ft. dipped into the upper teens and low 20's. Colder temperatures should remain over the forecast area with daytime highs today and tomorrow in the 20's and overnight lows in the teens above 7000 ft. The northeast winds started to increase last night and should continue through tomorrow as well. These winds and colder temperatures will represent the main impacts of the low pressure sweeping through the area from the north. Some increased cloud cover and isolated snow showers should also accompany this system, but the main precipitation should remain south of Ebbetts Pass. Areas between Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass could see 2 inches of new snow during the next 24 hours with a slight chance for up to 4 inches. The accumulation amounts should decrease rapidly moving north of Carson Pass. North of Highway 50 only isolated snow showers and a chance for up to 1 inch of new snow are expected. Areas north of I-80 may not receive any accumulation and skies could remain partly cloudy in the north end of the forecast area. For more information on this small storm check out the Reno NWS.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 16 to 23 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 41 to 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Northeast
Average ridgetop wind speed: Yesterday until 6 pm: 10 to 20 mph | After 6 pm: 30 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 60 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 25 to 43 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with a chance of snow showers Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers
Temperatures: 22 to 29 deg. F. 10 to 17 deg. F. 21 to 28 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Northeast Northeast Northeast
Wind Speed: 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph
Expected snowfall: up to 1 0 to .5 Trace to 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with a chance of snow showers Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers
Temperatures: 21 to 27 deg. F. 8 to 15 deg. F. 15 to 22 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast Northeast Northeast
Wind Speed: 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 40 mph increasing to 55 mph in the afternoon 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph
Expected snowfall: up to 1 0 to .5 Trace to 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.