THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 19, 2015 @ 6:33 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 18, 2015 @ 6:33 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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Air temperatures were once again above freezing last night at the mid and upper elevations. A decent overnight snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred through the process of radiational cooling under clear skies. Frozen snow surfaces on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects this morning will give way to surface wet snow formation as the day progresses. Snow surface conditions are likely to remain supportable into the afternoon hours with minimal loose wet instability expected.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Waterhouse Peak (Luther Pass area) matched well with other recent observations from around the forecast area. Snowpit data collected on a N aspect at 9,440' revealed a well bonded snowpack with no evidence of instability. A decent snow surface refreeze had occurred in this area overnight. By mid day, 1 to 2 inches of wet surface snow over supportable melt-freeze crust was noted on ESE-SE-S aspects in the area from the summit around 9,500' down to pass level around 7,700'. No signs of wet snow instability were observed at mid day.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure will continue to dominate the weather pattern today and tomorrow with continued sunny skies, light winds and above average air temperatures. An air temperature inversion is once again in place this morning with remote sensors at 7,000' to 9,600' reporting air temperatures in the 40s with 20s and 30s on the mountain valley floors. Maximum daytime air temperatures are forecast to reach the low 50s to low 60s today for areas above 7,000'. A significant cooling trend is expected this weekend.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 41 to 46 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 50 to 54 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Southwest
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 32 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 28 to 44 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 skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 54 to 61 deg. F. 26 to 33 deg. F. 52 to 60 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.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 51 to 57 deg. F. 27 to 34 deg. F. 48 to 54 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Variable NW Variable
Wind Speed: Light winds 10 to 15 mph in the evening, becoming light. 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.