THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 5, 2020 @ 6:58 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 4, 2020 @ 6:58 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Cold temperatures and gale force winds will continue today at the higher elevations.  Small wind slabs in isolated areas may exist in near and above treeline areas with firm crusts at most elevations.  LOW avalanche danger is expected today.

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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    Certain
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  • Size ?
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Normal caution is advised with a couple concerns for backcountry users today.

Gale force NE/E winds yesterday scoured many slopes and sent snow pluming over the higher peaks and ridges of our area.  Although we received limited amounts of new snow, some isolated small wind slabs have formed on S-SW-W-NW-N aspects.  Most of these wind slabs are small in size and do not extend very far downslope.  In complex terrain or areas with secondary exposure, a small wind slab could have additional consequences.  Winds are forecasted to subside today, but still be elevated at the higher elevations.  Limited snow available for transport should decrease blowing snow and any additional wind slab development today.

Firm crusts exist on most all aspects and elevations.  Many of these crusts could pose travel concerns and the potential for long sliding falls.  Most of these crusts are fully supportable with areas of breakable crusts on northerly aspects.  Cold temperatures and elevated NE/E winds at higher elevations will continue today before a warming trend begins on Wednesday.  Make sure to discuss with your group your travel plan and decide if the terrain is appropriate for our current conditions.

recent observations
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Observations from Stoney Ridge (West Shore area) and Incline Lake Peak (Mt. Rose area) reported dust on crust conditions.  Pluming snow was seen off of the higher ridges with variable crust snow conditions.  Up to 1 to 4'' of snow was reported in these areas.  Small wind slab development was observed at both locations. 

Observations from the Echo Lakes area showed similar blowing snow with some wind slab development.  Gale force NE winds were transporting snow to southerly aspects.  Most of these wind slabs did not extend far downslope and were small in size.  In one location, wind deposition was reported to be over 1' deep.

           

Photos:  Pluming snow off of Carson Pass.  Small wind slab on Stoney Ridge (West Shore area).

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Cold temperatures with elevated NE/E winds will continue through today.  Low temperatures in our area were in the single digits to low teens overnight.  NE/E winds will start to decrease today, but will still be elevated at the higher elevations.  A warming trend begins on Wednesday with decreasing winds and above average high temperatures that will continue through Saturday.  Another weak cold front moves into our area on Sunday bringing light amounts of snow, increasing winds, and colder temperatures.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 3 to 11 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 9 to 17 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 40 to 60 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 119 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 43 to 54 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 23 to 28. deg. F. 11 to 17. deg. F. 38 to 43. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: East around 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the morning becoming light. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 19 to 25. deg. F. 8 to 13. deg. F. 33 to 39. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East 30 to 40 mph becoming northeast 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 70 mph. Northeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Northeast 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
Disclaimer

This avalanche forecast is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This forecast 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 forecast applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This forecast expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this forecast is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

For a recorded version of the avalanche forecast call (530) 587-3558 x258