THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 2, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 1, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

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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Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast area, practice safe travel protocols.  Small loose wet avalanche activity in the form of roller balls and pinwheels may occur on southerly aspects today and on all aspects below treeline due to increased cloud cover overnight and through today.  Larger loose wet avalanches are not expected today.

Buried near crust facets existed in isolated areas on NW-N-NE aspects underneath the Jan 24-25 storm snow.  In most areas, this layer has gained strength over the last week and has become an unlikely avalanche problem on a regional scale.  Isolated areas may still exist where this layer could be problematic, especially in the southern part of the forecast area (Luther Pass, Carson Pass, and Ebbetts Pass).

 

recent observations
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* Observations from Castle Peak (Donner Summit area), Slab Cliffs (Mt. Rose area), and Becker Peak (Echo Summit area) all showed no signs of persistent slab instability.  Minor signs of wet snow instability existed at some areas with small roller balls.

* Wet surface snow has been observed on southerly aspects up to at least 9000' by midday.  Roller balls and pinwheels have been reported throughout the forecast region on all aspects and elevations.  No large loose wet avalanches have been reported since the Jan 24-25 storm cycle.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure with dry and warm weather will continue with high temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal.  High thin clouds will be with us today and should diminish into the weekend.  Overnight cloud cover had temperatures above 8000' in the low to mid 40's at most locations with weak valley inversions continuing.

 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 35 to 46 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 52 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Variable to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 26 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 28 to 52 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 cloudy. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Sunny
Temperatures: 50 to 55 deg. F. 30 to 36 deg. F. 50 to 55 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: NW
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Up to 10mph
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Sunny
Temperatures: 45 to 51 deg. F. 31 to 37 deg. F. 46 to 51 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NW NE NE
Wind Speed: 10 to 15mph with gusts to 30mph. 10 to 15mph. Gusts to 30mph in the evening. Up to 10mph.
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