THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 8, 2018 @ 6:45 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 7, 2018 @ 6:45 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  As daytime warming occurs, small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features.

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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 region.  Well above average temperatures with decreased winds today could allow for minor wet snow instabilities to form in isolated areas on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects as daytime warming occurs.  Instabilities are expected to be small and in the form of roller balls and pinwheels.  Limited snow coverage exists on many of these southerly aspects.  Steep E-SE facing terrain where more snow exists and/or where the recent snow has not fully transitioned to melt freeze snow hold the best potential for isolated loose wet instabilities. 

recent observations
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* Cold unconsolidated snow continues to exist on northerly aspects throughout the forecast region, including Slab Cliffs (Mt. Rose area) and Peak 9269' (West Shore area) yesterday.  Recent winds have scoured some snow surfaces in exposed areas. 

* Melt freeze crusts have formed or are transitioning on many E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  Snow coverage varies on southerly aspects depending on aspect and elevation with little continuous snow below 8200'.  Melt freeze crusts were found on N aspects up to 8000' on Rubicon Peak (West Shore area). 

* Snowpack tests have been done over the last few days at the following locations: Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area), Castle Peak (Donner Summit area), Slab Cliffs (Mt. Rose area), and Rubicon Peak (West Shore area).  Most areas continue to show a strengthening of the previous weak faceted snow near a buried crust. 

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Well above average temperatures will continue through this week with slightly increasing temperatures today.  Light winds are forecasted today throughout the area.  Overnight lows above 8000' increased into the low 30's to low 40's.  Into the weekend, a chance for increased high clouds and winds will be possible but the forecast remains dry at this point.   

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 31 to 41 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 47 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: East switching to South
Average ridgetop wind speed: 10 to 25 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 56 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 27 to 49 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 50 to 55 deg. F. 28 to 34 deg. F. 52 to 57 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds:
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 46 to 51 deg. F. 29 to 34 deg. F. 49 to 54 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds:
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.

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