THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 9, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 8, 2018 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features as daytime warming occurs.  Normal caution is advised.

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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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Warm temperatures and light winds will continue today.  As daytime warming occurs, small loose wet instabilities may develop on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  These loose wet instabilities are expected to be small and in the form of roller balls and/or pinwheels.  Limited snow coverage exists on southerly aspects.  Areas that have not fully transitioned to melt freeze snow have the most potential for loose wet instabilities. 

Normal caution is advised.

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Cold unconsolidated snow continues to exist on northerly aspects above 8000' throughout the forecast region.  Recent winds have scoured some exposed areas.

* Melt freeze crusts have developed or are transitioning on most E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  Snow coverage varies on southerly aspects with little to no continuous snow below 8200'.  Melt freeze crusts exist up to around 8000' on most northerly aspects throughout the region.

* Snowpack tests yesterday in Lincoln Valley (Yuba Pass area), at the same location 5 days prior, showed increased strength of the recent faceted weak layer with very good snow stability overall.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mild temperatures with generally light winds will continue.  Highs are forecasted to again be 15 to 20 degrees above average for today and Friday.  Valley inversions are in place with overnight lows below 7000' in the high 20's to low 30's and above 8000' in the high 30's to low 40's. 

Multiple cold fronts will begin to affect our region starting Saturday.  These will cool temperatures down to seasonal norms, increase winds and clouds, and bring the possibility of light snow. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 33 to 46 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 54 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Variable
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 15 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 37 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 27 to 49 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly sunny-thin high clouds. Clear Sunny then becoming partly cloudy.
Temperatures: 52 to 57 deg. F. 30 to 35 deg. F. 52 to 57 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds:
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly sunny-thin high clouds. Clear Sunny
Temperatures: 49 to 54 deg. F. 31 to 36 deg. F. 49 to 55 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East West
Wind Speed: 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph in the morning becoming light. Light winds 15 to 20mph. Gusts up to 35mph in the afternoon.
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