THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 31, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 30, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Continue to use normal caution while traveling in the backcountry.

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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Less cloud cover last night and cooler temperatures should have allowed a stronger overnight refreeze. Firm snow surfaces exist in most places including frozen sun crusts on solar aspects, icy rain crusts on wind-scoured slopes, and uneven firm wind textures on exposed slopes. In the areas that receive direct sun today, some of the frozen surfaces may soften; in areas where cloud cover obscures the sun, the snow surfaces may remain firm and frozen. Some minor wet snow instabilities may form on slopes that experience enough warming. While avalanche activity remains unlikely, the firm surfaces could make travel challenging and allow for other hazards including long sliding falls.

Consider your partners while making backcountry travel plans and tailor those plans to match the skills and goals of your group. Maintain awareness of the changing conditions and terrain as you travel. Stop regularly to check-in with each other and make sure everyone is comfortable with the current conditions and terrain selections. 

recent observations
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* Observations on Slide Mountain yesterday found soft wet snow on top of a supportable crust between 9600 and 8200 ft. on S-SE aspects by mid-morning. Northerly aspects held a mix of scoured surfaces on exposed slopes, small patches of colder soft snow on shaded and sheltered slopes, and widespread wet sticky snow. 

* Observations from around the forecast area this week have shown variable snow surfaces with a strong snowpack below the surface. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mild temperatures, light winds, and dry weather will continue over the region today before another weak storm passes the area tonight. The main effects of this system will be a slight increase in winds, more widespread cloud cover, and a small chance for some light precipitation. Tomorrow looks similar. A larger winter storm should move into the area this weekend. Check in with the Reno NWS for more details.

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 36 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 38 to 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 8 to 12 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 26 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 61 to 81 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 25%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Chance of snow and rain through the day. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 35%.
Temperatures: 41 to 46 deg. F. 26 to 31 deg. F. 38 to 43 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 30% probability up to 1 inch. 70% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow after midnight. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 25%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Chance of snow through the day. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 35%.
Temperatures: 38 to 44 deg. F. 24 to 29 deg. F. 35 to 41 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Light winds. Light winds becoming southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph after midnight. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 30% probability up to 1 inch. 70% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
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