THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 1, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 31, 2018 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast region.  Loose wet avalanches and persistent slab avalanches are unlikely today.  Practice safe travel protocols and watch for unstable snow 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: Loose Wet
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Loose wet avalanches remain a concern today with mostly sunny skies and well above average temperatures forecasted.  Most of the instabilities should be limited to roller balls, pinwheels, and small point releases.  Larger wet loose avalanches have not occurred over the last several days and are not expected to form today.

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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In isolated areas on NW-N-NE aspects, near crust faceted snow exists below the Jan 24-25 storm snow.  This layer of weak snow has been found throughout the forecast region and has continued to show weakness in the southern part of the forecast area-Luther Pass, Carson Pass, and Ebbetts Pass.  Although avalanche activity has been limited, snowpack tests have shown unstable results over the weekend and into Monday.  This weak layer has been observed to be buried anywhere from 8'' to 3' deep and has been found in near treeline and below treeline terrain.  On a regional scale, this avalanche problem has become unlikely.

recent observations
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* Wet surface snow has been observed on most aspects up to 9000' by midday.  Roller balls and pinwheels have been reported throughout the forecast region on all aspects and elevations.

* Snowpack tests targeting the near crust facet layer showed unstable test results on Elephants Hump (Carson Pass area) on Monday.  This was consistent with other signs of instability and unstable test results from Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass over the past weekend.



 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure near the west coast will keep dry conditions, calm winds, and well above average temperatures for the foreseeable future.  A weak inversion is in place with colder air in the valleys and temperatures above 8000' in the mid to high 30's.  Increasing clouds are possible for Thursday as a weak storm moves well north of our area into Oregon.

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 40 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 51 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 49 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 29 to 53 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 then becoming partly cloudy. Mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 50 to 55 deg. F. 30 to 35 deg. F. 49 to 54 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15mph in the morning becoming light. Gust up to 30mph. Light winds Light winds
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny then becoming partly cloudy Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 46 to 52 deg. F. 30 to 35 deg. F. 44 to 50 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: W W NW
Wind Speed: 15 to 25mph with gusts to 45mph. 10 to 15mph. Gusts to 35mph decreasing to 25mph after midnight. 10 to 15mph with gusts to 35mph.
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