THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 9, 2015 @ 6:40 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 8, 2015 @ 6:40 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Areas of minor wet snow instability are expected to form in response to daytime warming. Normal caution is advised.

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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Another round of minimal wet snow instability is expected today. The vast majority of wet snow concerns will occur on SE-S-SW aspects with lesser concerns on other aspects. In areas of full sun exposure, shallow areas of full depth wet snow are expected near exposed bushes and rock outcroppings. Roller balls and very small isolated loose wet instabilities will be possible again today in steep terrain. Use slope angle to mitigate avalanche concerns in areas of marginally supportable to unsupportable wet snow.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Relay Peak (Mount Rose area) and near Elephant's Back (Carson Pass area) continued to show significant snow surface melt on southerly aspects. By mid day, wet snow had become marginally skier supportable in the 8,500' to 10,000' range. Full depth wet snow was noted around areas of exposed rocks and vegetation. On northerly aspects and high elevation east aspects (10,000'), evidence of recent faceting was noted in the upper snowpack with minimal amounts of recent snow surface melt. Air temperatures have been warm, but low January sun angles have greatly limited its effects in shaded areas.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern over the region. Another round of above average air temperatures and light winds are forecast for today along with increased high level cloud cover. Remote sensors are reporting 8,000' to 9,000' air temperatures mainly in the low 40s with a few locations in the 30s as air temperature inversion conditions persist. Ridgetop winds that were light and variable over the past 24 hours are out of the southwest this morning and have temporarily increased to light to moderate in speed. A cooling trend is expected to begin tomorrow for the mid and upper elevations.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 32 to 44 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 52 to 54 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Variable
Average ridgetop wind speed: 9 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 23 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 25 to 36 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies becoming mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 49 to 55 deg. F. 27 to 35 deg. F. 39 to 46 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.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies becoming mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 45 to 51 deg. F. 30 to 36 deg. F. 36 to 43 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.