THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 5, 2017 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 4, 2017 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger is expected through most of this morning. Starting from mid day onwards, areas of MODERATE avalanche danger will form as loose wet avalanche problems develop in response to daytime warming. During the afternoon hours, loose wet instability is expected at all elevations.

2. Moderate

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

2. Moderate

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

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
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Warmer air temperatures last night along with some high level cloud cover are expected to have decreased the thickness of overnight snow surface refreeze as compared to 24 hours ago. Areas of loose wet avalanche problems are expected to form today from mid day onwards. The vast majority of instability will occur on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations. Some areas of instability are also possible on lower elevation NW-N-NE aspects.

Pay attention to the degree of surface snow supportability. As the surface snow melts and becomes unsupportable exposing deep wet snow, it is time to move to a colder aspect or leave the area.  Terrain traps can greatly magnify the consequences of small loose wet avalanches.

recent observations
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Observations made yesterday on Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area) and on Mt. Ralston (Echo Summit area) revealed that a very good snow surface refreeze had occurred the night before with clear skies and below freezing air temperatures. Snow surface conditions on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects had experienced some melt by the mid to late morning hours, but were still very supportable at mid day. NW-N-NE aspects remained frozen in many areas at mid day.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure will create a warming trend today and tomorrow. High level cloud cover is expected to allow for generally sunny skies, but may provide a decent amount of sky obscurance at times. Ridgetop winds shifted from the NE to SW last night. Light SW to W winds today are expected to begin to increase on Wednesday ahead of an approaching storm system.  This storm system is forecast to bring significant precipitation to the region from late Thursday night into Saturday.

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 38 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 42 to 46 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: NE 25 mph | SW 11 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: NE 36 mph | SW 35 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 115 to 172 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: High level cloud cover, generally sunny. High level cloud cover. High level cloud cover, generally sunny.
Temperatures: 47 to 52 deg. F. 32 to 37 deg. F. 49 to 54 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW W SW
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds becoming 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: High level cloud cover, generally sunny. High level cloud cover. High level cloud cover, generally sunny.
Temperatures: 43 to 49 deg. F. 31 to 36 deg. F. 45 to 53 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: W SW SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the morning, becoming light. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. 15 to 25 mph. Gusts to 40 mph increasing to 55 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.

For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (530) 587-3558 x258