THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 11, 2018 @ 6:51 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 10, 2018 @ 6:51 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. There are no specific avalanche problems of concern. 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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There are no specific avalanche problems of concern for today. Colder air temperatures and convective cooling by wind will significantly reduce surface wet snow formation today as compared to this past week. While some cloud cover occurred last night, this is not expected to have had a significant impact on overnight snow surface refreeze. Any areas that may have experienced a weak refreeze last night are expected to be tempered by today's reduced melt rates. Sun exposed aspects will be slow to melt today and may remain frozen well into the afternoon hours.

Recent snowpit data and other observations from around the forecast area have not produced indications of a current slab avalanche problem. Increased ridgetop winds are not expected to produce significant amounts of blowing snow. Long sliding falls or a slip and fall on hard snow surfaces are some of the greatest hazards today.

recent observations
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* Recent observations from around the forecast area have revealed well established melt-freeze conditions on SE-S-SW aspects at all elevations. Recent snowpit data collected from NW-N-NE aspects has produced no signs of problematic slab instability.

* Thursday's observations on Mt. Houghton (Mount Rose area) noted that E aspects remained in a dry to wet snow transitional stage above about 9,000'. Friday's observations on Andesite Ridge (Donner Summit area) noted well established melt-freeze conditions on E aspects at around 8,000'.

* Snow coverage on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects varies significantly around the forecast area by location and elevation. Little to no continuous snow cover exists on some of these aspects below 8,200' to 9,000' depending on location. In some cases these aspects are mostly bare ground up to elevations above 10,000'.

* Areas of cold unconsolidated snow linger in the deep shade on out of the way N aspects. Snow surface conditions elsewhere on NW-N-NE aspects range from breakable crust to heavily tracked to firm wind scoured.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A dry cold front moving through the region today will bring a significant change from the weather pattern experienced this past week. Increased mid and high level cloud cover is expected this morning. A significant cooling of maximum daytime air temperatures will occur today as compared to this past week. Moderate to strong ridgetop winds alternating between SW and NE will occur today through Sunday. There is a chance of light snowfall on Sunday night as another weather system moves through the region and cools air temperatures to below average for mid February.

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 39 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 47 to 55 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 27 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 52 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 27 to 48 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies, becoming sunny. Clear skies. Sunny skies, becoming partly cloudy.
Temperatures: 40 to 45 deg. F. 18 to 23 deg. F. 43 to 48 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW shifting to NE E SW
Wind Speed: Light winds shifting and increasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the afternoon. 15 to 25 mph. Gusts to 45 mph decreasing to 35 mph after midnight. Light winds increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies, becoming sunny. Clear skies. Sunny skies, becoming partly cloudy.
Temperatures: 36 to 42 deg. F. 17 to 23 deg. F. 40 to 46 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: W shifting to NE E SW
Wind Speed: 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 65 mph, shifting to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph in the afternoon. 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 65 mph, decreasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 55 mph after midnight. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph, increasing to 25 to 45 mph with gusts to 85 mph in the afternoon.
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