THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 24, 2017 @ 6:56 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 23, 2017 @ 6:56 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely. Use the equipment and travel techniques associated with Normal Caution to help minimize the consequences of encountering an unexpected area of unstable snow.

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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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Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely within the forecast area. A mix of firm, sometimes icy wind scoured snow surfaces interspersed with areas of hard wind slab exist on a variety of aspects near and above treeline. Gusty ridgetop winds could make for difficult travel conditions above treeline. Below treeline holds either wind affected snow surfaces or unconsolidated recent storm snow, depending on location and degree of protection from SW and NE winds.

recent observations
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* Near surface facets exist below some of the wind slabs and recent storm snow depending on proximity to treeline and protection from wind scouring or wind loading. Snowpit data continues to identify this layer, but snowpit tests do not indicate current instability.

* On a regional scale, the greatest snow coverage exists above 8,000' along the Mount Rose Hwy and in Sierra Crest locations north of Emerald Bay. Overall less snow cover exists south of Emerald Bay, but is generally usable above 8,500'. Area wide, northerly aspects hold significantly more snow cover than southerly aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Weather systems continue to pass by to the north of the forecast area bringing mid and high level cloud cover along with gusty SW ridgetop winds to the region. Weak air temperature inversion conditions are in place. As a result, many locations at the mid and upper elevations are likely to remain above freezing both day and night for the next 24 hours. Colder air will settle down to the mountain valley floors. An occasional very light rain or snow shower is unlikely but not impossible as moisture moves overhead.

 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 29 to 36 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 36 to 44 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 29 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 51 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 16 to 33 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Mostly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 42 to 47 deg. F. 28 to 34 deg. F. 43 to 48 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW W SW
Wind Speed: Light winds becoming 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 25 mph. Around 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening. 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Mostly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 39 to 45 deg. F. 29 to 34 deg. F. 39 to 45 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph decreasing to 30 mph after midnight. 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
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.

For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (530) 587-3558 x258