THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 24, 2015 @ 6:45 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 23, 2015 @ 6:45 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Very isolated pockets of small shallow wind slab may be found in near and above treeline terrain. Normal caution is advised.

1. Low

?

Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

?

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: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Isolated pockets of small and shallow newly formed wind slab exist in near and above treeline terrain on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects. For the most part, these slabs are not large enough to present a hazard to backcountry travelers. Somewhere within the forecast area, a wind slab large enough to push or carry a person is possible, but the odds of finding such a slab are very low due to extremely limited distribution.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday on Incline Lake Peak (Mount Rose area) and on Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area) revealed 1 to 3 inches of new snow. Much stronger NE winds were observed in the Mount Rose area than in the Carson Pass area. While areas of blowing snow were noted, especially on Incline Lake Peak, subsequent drifts and wind slabs were minimal. Isolated wind pillows up to 6 inches deep were observed in wind loaded areas. These deposits did not extend very far down slope with any significant depth. While bonding at the old/new snow interface was poor in many areas, slab size was not large enough to present a hazard to backcountry travelers.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The weather system that brought cloud cover and some light snow to the region yesterday is moving off to the south with dry air rapidly filling in behind it. New snow amounts from the past 24 hours range from 0 to 3 inches with the greatest accumulations along the eastern and southern portions of the forecast area. For today, expect mostly to partly cloudy skies in the morning, giving way to sunny skies in the afternoon. A slight chance of isolated snow showers remains over the far southern portion of the forecast area this morning. Otherwise expect below average air temperatures and moderate speed northeast winds today. Air temperatures this morning are in the teens between 8,000' and 9,000' with single digits on the highest peaks. Maximum daytime air temperatures are forecast to reach the 20s today for areas 7,000' to 9,000'. For tomorrow expect sunny skies and a warming trend of 10 to 15 degrees with continued northeast winds.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 11 to 15 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 24 to 28 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 45 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 71 mph
New snowfall: 0 to 3 inches
Total snow depth: 28 to 44 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies, becoming mostly sunny. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 24 to 29 deg. F. 11 to 18 deg. F. 35 to 42 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: NE E E
Wind Speed: 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 15 to 20 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly to partly cloudy skies, becoming mostly sunny. Clear skies. Sunny skies.
Temperatures: 19 to 24 deg. F. 11 to 18 deg. F. 31 to 38 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NE E NE
Wind Speed: 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph. 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. 25 to 30 mph with gust to 40 mph, decreasing to 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph 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.