THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 13, 2017 @ 6:46 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 12, 2017 @ 6:46 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger exists this morning.  As rapid warming occurs with intense sunshine, avalanche danger will rise to Moderate due to loose wet avalanche problems.  Get an early start to avoid most loose wet avalanche issues and have better travel conditions. 

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
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A modest snow surface refreeze was expected overnight with near freezing temperatures and clear skies at most locations.  High temperatures today will be in the 50's above 7000' with light winds and intense March sun.  As the snow surface begins to melt, loose wet instabilities will become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects as well as on northerly aspects that receive sun.  Most of these instabilities are expected to be small and in the form of roller balls but some could be larger and entrain more snow.

Look for clues like roller balls, rapid warming, pinwheels, and deep unsupportable snow-these may indicate that larger loose wet avalanches are becoming more likely.  Terrain traps can increase the consequences of small loose wet activity.   

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations were made yesterday on Rose Knob Peak (Mt. Rose area).  Above 8500', ski supportive spring snow existed in the late morning hours.  Most loose wet activity was in the form of roller balls in this area and was natural and skier triggered.  Below 8500' at 11am, roller ball activity became more widespread on steeper slopes.  Below 8000' at 11:30am, the snowpack was unsupportable with skis sinking in 6-8'' and boots up to knee deep with the snow being slow, sticky, and wet.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure with warm spring conditions and light winds will continue into this week.  Above average temperatures are expected to be in the low 60's around lake level with the low to mid 50's above 7000' with mostly clear skies.  An increase in clouds and wind is expected mid week as a storm moves by to our north with no precipitation expected for our area.

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 41 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 53 to 55 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 43 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 128 to 182 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 52 to 58 deg. F. 27 to 33 deg. F. 54 to 60 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds:
Wind Speed: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 49 to 55 deg. F. 28 to 33 deg. F. 51 to 57 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds:
Wind Speed: Light winds. Gusts up to 25mph in the morning. 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.

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