THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 7, 2018 @ 6:56 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 6, 2018 @ 6:56 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger should remain LOW at all elevations today. Avalanche activity should remain unlikely. Some small loose wet instabilities may still form on isolated terrain features. 

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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Avalanche activity is unlikely today. Enough warming should still occur for wet snow to form on the surface of sun-exposed aspects today. However, slightly cooler daytime highs, a solid overnight refreeze, and limited snow cover on the SE-S-SW-W aspects should keep any loose wet instabilities that may form small and isolated. Steep E-SE facing terrain features where more snow exists and/or where the recent snow has not fully transitioned to melt-freeze snow hold the best potential for isolated loose wet instabilities.

recent observations
Submit Observations

* 2 to 4 in. of soft corn snow with supportable snow below it formed on the SE-S-SW aspects of Castle Peak (Donner Summit) yesterday. On E aspects of Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area) 1 to 2 inches of wet snow formed above cold snow that has not fully transitioned to melt-freeze snow. Ski cuts triggered small roller balls and pinwheels on the E aspects of Red Lake Peak.

* North aspects on Castle Peak and Red Lake Peak still held a mix of soft unconsolidated surface snow, wind packed surfaces, and breakable crusts depending on elevation and exposure.

* Snowpit data from north aspects on Red Lake Peak showed a mostly well-consolidated snowpack with some indication of lingering weak layers that continue to gain strength.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A disturbance passing to the north of the region has brought some slightly cooler temperatures to the area. Overnight lows dipped into the 20's and low 30's at all elevations last night. The forecast calls for daytime highs well above normal but a few degrees colder than the last several days. The high-pressure ridge remains stuck over the region and will keep the weather dry and warm.

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 32 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 46 to 53 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: W shifting to E and NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 10 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 42 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 27 to 50 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 46 to 51 deg. F. 26 to 31 deg. F. 43 to 48 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Northeast Variable Variable
Wind Speed: 10 mph Light Light
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 43 to 48 deg. F. 28 to 33 deg. F. 46 to 51 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: N to NE East Variable
Wind Speed: 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph 10 to 15 mph becoming light overnight Light
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.

For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (530) 587-3558 x258