THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 16, 2014 @ 6:42 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 15, 2014 @ 6:42 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations on snow covered NW-N-NE-E aspects. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely at this time. Encountering an isolated area of unstable snow has become unlikely, but may still be possible due to the variability that can exist on a regional scale. Due to melt, avalanche danger on SE-S-SW-W aspects is generally nonexistent.

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
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
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    Very Large
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Generally stable snowpack conditions have been observed on a regional scale. Triggering an isolated wind slab or persistent slab avalanche is unlikely but not impossible on NW-N-NE aspects. Recent field observations still show the occasional unstable snowpit test result mixed in among the vast majority of stable snowpit test results. Continue to exercise caution and implement best travel practices while traveling in or below avalanche terrain in order to minimize risk.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Chickadee Ridge in the Upper Ophir Creek drainage (Mount Rose Backcountry) revealed stable snowpack conditions. Similar to other recently observed locations around the forecast area, a thin weak slab sat on top of a variety of weak layers ranging from old near surface facets to depth hoar. Despite this snowpack structure, good stability existed due to insufficient ability of the weak overlying slab to propagate weak layer collapse once initiated. In essence, not all of the necessary ingredients were present for an avalanche to occur. In various locations around the forecast area, the recent trend observed has been that either the weak layers have sufficient strength to support the overlying load or that the surface slab is not strong enough to allow snowpack collapse to travel any significant distance through the snowpack.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The high pressure that is currently parked over the forecast area is rather impressive. This high pressure ridge ranks in the 99th percentile for strength of high pressure ridges that have built over the region during the past 35 years. As a result, sunny skies, air temperature inversion, and east winds are forecast for the remainder of this week. Remote sensors are reporting air temperatures this morning in the mid 30s to low 40s for areas above 8,000' while teens and 20s hold on the mountain valley floors. Maximum daytime air temperatures are forecast to reach the mid 40s to mid 50s today for areas above 7,000'. Moderate speed east winds are expected to continue over ridgetops today, tonight, 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: 34 to 42 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 40 to 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: East
Average ridgetop wind speed: 35 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 63 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 10 to 17 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: 49 to 54 deg. F. 28 to 35 deg. F. 50 to 55 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: East East East
Wind Speed: 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Sunny skies. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 44 to 50 deg. F. 26 to 36 deg. F. 46 to 52 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East East East
Wind Speed: 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph in the morning. 15 to 25 mph. 15 to 25 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.