THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 27, 2015 @ 7:00 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 26, 2015 @ 7:00 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. While daytime warming may cause some minor surface softening on sun exposed aspects, it should not create enough wet snow to pose a significant hazard to backcountry travelers. 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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Avalanche problems remain unlikely today. Some softening may occur on sun exposed SE-S-SW aspects, but cooler daytime highs, northerly winds, and increasing cloud cover should limit the amount of wet snow that forms. Northerly aspects should remain firm and frozen. Continue to use normal caution while traveling in the backcountry.

recent observations
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On the south side of Mt. Lincoln yesterday, corn conditions prevailed on the sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects where snow cover remained, but many areas of exposed ground had melted out on the SE-S-SW-W aspects. On NW aspects in this area, a firm supportable melt-freeze crust existed above a well bonded snowpack. On Rubicon Peak the a thinner melt-freeze crust existed on northerly aspects with 3 to 4 inches of soft sugary snow (near surface facets) below it. East of Lake Tahoe on Tamarack Peak, these near surface facets existed on some northerly aspects without a melt freeze crust on the surface.

In most places across the forecast area, melt-freeze conditions exist on top of a well consolidated and well bonded snowpack. A layer of near surface facets up to 6 in. thick does exist at the snow surface on some isolated near and below treeline NW-N-NE wind sheltered and shaded slopes above 8000 ft. This soft weak layer of snow rests above a frozen rain crust that could serve as an efficient bed surface for snow to slide on. Since no slab exists above this weak layer/bed surface combination, it does not represent a problem for today. However, it could become a problem this weekend if the new snow and wind currently in the forecast create slabs on top of it.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly sunny skies this morning should give way to partly cloudy conditions as the day progresses. These clouds herald the arrival of a cold storm system moving into the area. Temperatures should also begin to cool off today with daytime highs about 5 degrees cooler than yesterday. By tonight expect mostly cloudy skies, increasing west and southwest winds, and overnight lows in the 20's above 7000 ft. Friday's temperatures will remain in the upper 20's to mid 30's above 7000 ft. Chances for snow showers begin on Friday morning and the snow should become more widespread as the day progresses. 1 to 3 inches of snow possible by the end of the day Friday. This storm will continue into the weekend. For more details check in with 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: 27 to 33 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 44 to 49 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Northeast
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 44 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 26 to 43 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy Mostly cloudy Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers in the morning with clouds and snow showers increasing during the day.
Temperatures: 38 to 45 deg. F. 21 to 28 deg. F. 31 to 37 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: North North shifting to the southwest after midnight West
Wind Speed: 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph 10 to 15 mph 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph
Expected snowfall: 0 0 1 to 2
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy Mostly cloudy Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers in the morning with clouds and snow showers increasing during the day.
Temperatures: 37 to 43 deg. F. 19 to 26 deg. F. 29 to 33 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: North West West
Wind Speed: 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph decreasing to 35 mph in the afternoon 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph
Expected snowfall: 0 0 1 to 3
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.