THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 7, 2015 @ 6:12 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 6, 2015 @ 6:12 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. LOW danger means avalanche activity remains unlikely but not impossible. Some areas of unstable snow could still exist on isolated terrain features. Some small loose wet snow instabilities may occur on steep sun-exposed slopes 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: Loose Wet
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More sunny warm weather today will create wet surface snow on any sun-exposed aspects. The solid overnight refreeze, gradual warming over the last several days, and light east winds will help prevent large wet snow instabilities from forming, but today's warming should create enough wet snow for some small isolated loose wet snow instabilities to form on some sun-exposed slopes. Roller balls and pinwheels should comprise the majority of today's loose wet snow instabilities. Small isolated loose wet avalanches may also become possible on the most sun-exposed aspects. These instabilities should not involve enough snow to bury a person, but they could push someone off course or knock a person over. Large loose wet avalanches and wet slab avalanches will remain unlikely. Wet snow instabilities will be most prevalent on sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects steeper than 37 degrees.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Cold, soft, unconsolidated snow still remained on sheltered northerly aspects in the Castle Peak area yesterday. Snowpit data, ski cuts, and general observations on the NW-N-NE aspects did not reveal any signs of instability and all indicated that snowpack continues to strengthen. Exposed slopes near ridge lines on the N-NE aspects held wind scoured icy surfaces on their upper sections. These scoured conditions quickly gave way to the soft unconsolidated snow down slope from the ridges. A breakable sun crust exsited on some ENE, E, W, and WNW slopes, and wet sticky snow existed in other places on these aspects. On the more sun exposed SE-S-SW aspects, wet surface snow was widespread. Ski cuts did trigger some small isolated pinwheels less than 10 inches in diameter on some steep S aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Like yesterday a clear calm night allowed cold air to settle into the valleys. Air temperatures at the lower elevations this morning registered in the 20's, while air temperatures along the ridges above 8000 ft. measured in the 30's. Temperarutes will warm up again today due to the strong high pressure over the region. Expect daytime highs about 5 degrees warmer than yesterday's temperatures. The daily warming trend should continue tomorrow with daytime highs expected to climb another few degrees. The forecast also calls for light east winds today and tomorrow.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 30 to 36 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 40 to 47 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Southwest shifting to east
Average ridgetop wind speed: 10 to 15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 23 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 35 to 48 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 48 to 53 deg. F. 26 to 33 deg. F. 50 to 55 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: East Variable Variable
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph becoming light in the afternoon Light Light
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 42 to 48 deg. F. 24 to 31 deg. F. 44 to 50 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East East East
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph becoming light in the afternoon up to 10 mph up to 10 mph
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.