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.

This advisory was posted on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 7:51 am

Fall Avalanche Statement

Now that the winter season is finally approaching, it is time to start thinking about the possibility of avalanches in a very shallow snowpack. SAC is not yet making snowpack or weather observations for this season, but here are some things to think about if you are traveling in snow covered areas. Despite the shallow snowpack, the possibility of an avalanche that could take you for a short ride, bang you up a bit, and possibly bury you exists.

Areas below ridgelines and gully features that are subject to wind loading may exhibit slab formation in the shallow snowpack. Additionally, wind loading can increase snow deposition rates by 2 to 10 times the rate that snow is falling from the sky. This can create rapid loading and enough snowpack instability for an avalanche to occur, despite only a few inches of snow on the ground in wind protected areas. Make constant observations as you travel, looking for indications of the current snowpack stability such as recent avalanche activity, wind loading, collapse, audible whumpfing sounds, shooting cracks, and/or test slope failure. Any of these signs are indications of current snowpack instability.

Many hazards such as rocks, down trees, and stumps are often hidden just beneath the snow surface. Travel cautiously and slowly as it is a very long winter if you get hurt before the season really gets started. Now is the time to put fresh batteries in your avalanche transceiver and practice your rescue skills with a friend or two. Read an avalanche book and refresh your knowledge. Surf through the non-technical glossary found on our links page, it is worth checking out. Think good thoughts, wish for more snow, and an excellent winter for all of us.

Brandon Schwartz, Avalanche Forecaster

We plan to begin issuing regular avalanche advisories in late November as conditions warrant.

Today's Central Sierra Weather Observations:
0600 temperature at Sierra Crest (8,700 feet):
no data deg. F
Max. temperature at Sierra Crest past 24 hours:
no data deg. F
Average wind direction at Sierra Crest past 24 hours:
no data
Average wind speed at Sierra Crest past 24 hours:
no data mph
Maximum wind gust at Sierra Crest past 24 hours:
no data mph
New snow fall at 8,200 feet past 24 hours:
no data inches
Total snow depth at 8,200 feet:
no data inches
Mountain Weather Forecast For Today:
Sky cover: no data
Temperature forecast for 8,000 to 9,000 feet:
no data deg. F
Ridgetop winds forecast for the Sierra Crest:
no data mph, G no data mph
Snowfall expected in the next 24 hours:
no data inches
2 Day Weather Forecast:
no data

The bottom line:

Andy Anderson - Avalanche Forecaster, Tahoe National Forest

Weather Observations from along the Sierra Crest between 8200 ft and 8800 ft:

0600 temperature:	deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours:	deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours:
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours:	mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours:	mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours:	O inches
Total snow depth:	inches

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast - Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS

For 7000-8000 ft:
	Saturday:	Saturday Night:	Sunday:
Weather:
Temperatures:	deg. F.	deg. F.	deg. F.
Wind direction:
Wind speed:
Expected snowfall:	O in.	O in.	O in.
For 8000-9000 ft:
	Saturday:	Saturday Night:	Sunday:
Weather:
Temperatures:	deg. F.	deg. F.	deg. F.
Wind direction:
Wind speed:
Expected snowfall:	O in.	O in.	O in.