THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 23, 2014 @ 6:44 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 22, 2014 @ 6:44 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised.

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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A strong overnight refreeze is expected to have occurred last night due to below freezing air temperatures and radiational cooling under partly cloudy skies. While areas of wet surface snow will form again today in response to daytime heating, the snowpack is expected to remain supportable well into the afternoon hours. Any human triggered loose wet snow instabilities such as roller balls or tiny loose wet avalanches are expected to be small and inconsequential, not presenting a significant hazard to backcountry travelers.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Incline Lake Peak (Mount Rose area) indicated that thin high level clouds covering 75% of the sky did little to slow the rate of snow surface melting. Conditions observed were very similar to those observed around the forecast area over the past several days. A strong snow surface refreeze had occurred in this area overnight with mit pits indicating no residual wet snow lingering from previous melt cycles. At noon, 2 to 3 inches of surface wet snow on top of supportable melt-freeze crust was observed at 9,200' on E and SE aspects. All collected data indicated that supportable snow surface conditions were likely to continue on all aspects well into the afternoon hours.

Small patchy areas of transitional snow in the form of near surface facets and near crust facets within the top 6 inches of the snowpack were observed on N aspects above 8,500'. This is also very similar to what has been observed around the rest of the forecast area over the past several days.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure over the forecast area is expected to remain in place through Monday. Maximum daytime air temperatures will increase a few degrees each afternoon over the next few days. Light winds are forecast for today and tomorrow. Light convective showers were reported yesterday afternoon in the Mount Rose area. There is a slight chance for an isolated convective shower this afternoon south of Hwy 50. Otherwise, expect sunny skies with maximum daytime air temperatures above 7,000' in the 40s today.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 26 to 31 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 42 to 46 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Southwest
Average ridgetop wind speed: 23 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 37 mph
New snowfall: 0 to trace inches
Total snow depth: 35 to 46 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 skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 43 to 51 deg. F. 22 to 27 deg. F. 46 to 53 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Variable Variable Variable
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 38 to 44 deg. F. 21 to 26 deg. F. 41 to 47 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Variable Variable Variable
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.