THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON November 29, 2020 @ 6:51 am
Avalanche Forecast published on November 28, 2020 @ 6:51 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

Backcountry travelers should expect variable snow surfaces and shallow early season conditions with lots of exposed and barely covered obstacles. Travel using normal caution. LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. 

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
    Very Likely
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While the shallow snowpack remains mostly supportable, it has left numerous obstacles like trees, stumps, rocks, logs, etc exposed or barely covered. A fall or loss of control while traveling on variable surfaces or merely running into something while moving at speed could result in equipment damage or bodily injury. Being observant and moving at slower speeds on more mellow terrain can help identify and avoid many of the obstacles. Avalanche activity will remain unlikely today. 

Early season represents a great time to practice avalanche rescue skills, route finding, and terrain identification. Practicing safe travel strategies now can help make them a habit for the rest of the year.

recent observations
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Northerly aspects above 8600 ft in the Mt Rose backcountry and above 7800 ft. along the Sierra Crest hold the best coverage with more snow in the northern part of the forecast area. Numerous obstacles still poke through the shallow snowpack. Observations from Deep Creek and Tamarack Peak yesterday continued to show variable snow surface conditions. Observers have found scoured and wind-affected surfaces on wind-exposed slopes, patchy snow on sun-exposed aspects, and some soft surface snow (near-surface facets) in sheltered areas on northerly aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The winds have decreased and should remain light through tomorrow. Calmer weather has allowed cold air to pool in the valleys and lower elevation temperatures are running cooler than those at the upper elevations this morning. This inversion should lift as the day warms up. After a sunny day today, some cloud cover may start to develop tonight and tomorrow ahead of a weak cold front forecasted to pass north of the region starting Monday. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 28 to 35 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 38 to 46 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE and E to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: NE/E @ 20-25 mph | SW @ 10-15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 58 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 15 to 20 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 42 to 47 deg. F. 24 to 30 deg. F. 40 to 46 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 38 to 44 deg. F. 25 to 31 deg. F. 35 to 41 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
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