THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 22, 2014 @ 6:22 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 21, 2014 @ 6:22 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Near and above treeline, pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger remain on NW-N-NE-E aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to ongoing concern for human triggered wind slabs. For all other areas, avalanche danger in LOW.

2. Moderate

?

Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

?

Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

1. Low

?

Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Human triggered wind slabs remain an ongoing avalanche problem. Strong winds over the past two days have kept wind transport ongoing, despite decreasing snowfall amounts. Winds slabs are expected to be more difficult to trigger today than yesterday. Heavily wind loaded slopes directly below cornice features represent the most likely place to trigger an avalanche at this time.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Tamarack and Incline Lake Peaks (Mount Rose area) and received from Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) revealed significant amounts of ongoing wind transport in near and above treeline areas. In wind loaded areas, skier triggered cracking up to 10 feet was created on test slopes below cornice features. In a few cases, small wind slabs 6 to 14 inches deep were released. In all cases the weak layer was an easily identifiable lower density layer of recent storm snow at the base of the surface wind slab. No signs of instability were observed in wind protected areas.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Warm air pushed into the forecast area yesterday afternoon and last night. Remote sensors are reporting air temperatures this morning between 8,000' and 9,000' in the mid 30s. Snow level has risen to 7,700' to 8,500'. Air temperatures will remain warm and snow levels high today. A slight chance of light rain and snow will taper off as the day progresses. Ridgetop winds have remained strong out of the southwest to west and will continue through tonight. Strong N to NE winds are forecast for tomorrow. Building high pressure will allow for decreasing cloud cover over the next 24 hours.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 32 to 37 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 32 to 37 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: West Southwest
Average ridgetop wind speed: 39 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 63 mph
New snowfall: 0 to trace inches
Total snow depth: 27 to 39 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly to partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain. Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies, becoming sunny.
Temperatures: 40 to 47 deg. F. 27 to 34 deg. F. 40 to 47 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: W NW NW shifting to NE
Wind Speed: 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. 5 to 15 mph. 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly to partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain and snow. Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies, becoming sunny.
Temperatures: 33 to 43 deg. F. 28 to 38 deg. F. 35 to 45 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NW NW N
Wind Speed: 40 to 55 mph with gusts to 75 mph. 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph. 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 70 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.