THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 26, 2017 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 24, 2017 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger will continue throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.  This forecast will be updated on Tuesday, December 26, by 7am.

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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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Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast region.  Strong SW ridgetop winds will continue to redistribute small amounts of snow and scour snow surfaces in exposed near and above treeline terrain.  Wind scoured snow surfaces with areas of exposed firm crusts could present travel hazards.  Hard wind slabs exist in isolated areas in near and above treeline terrain.  Northerly, wind protected, below treeline areas, still offer the best chances of finding soft winter snow. 

Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely.  Use normal caution and safe travel protocols when traveling in the backcountry. 

 

recent observations
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*Variable snow surface conditions exist throughout the forecast region.  Wind scoured snow with firm crusts exist in areas exposed to the recent SW and NE winds.  Wind protected, below treeline terrain, on northerly aspects, has unconsolidated snow surfaces.

* Near surface facets exist below some of the wind slabs and recent storm snow depending on proximity to treeline and protection from wind scouring or wind loading.  Snowpit data continues to identify this layer, but snowpit tests do not indicate current instability.

* On a regional scale, the greatest snow coverage exists above 8,000' along the Mount Rose Hwy and in Sierra Crest locations north of Emerald Bay. Overall less snow cover exists south of Emerald Bay, but is generally usable above 8,500'. Area wide, northerly aspects hold significantly more snow cover than southerly aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mid and high level cloud cover with gusty SW ridgetop winds will continue as storms move north of our forecast area.  Temperatures will remain above average with no meaningful precipitation forecasted until at least Friday.  Weak air inversions are in place, with many mid and upper elevation locations remaining with above freezing air temperatures.  An occasional very light rain or snow shower is unlikely but not impossible as moisture moves overhead. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 36 to 40 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 45 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 17 to 33 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 cloudy Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the evening. Partly cloudy.
Temperatures: 42 to 47 deg. F. 27 to 32 deg. F. 42 to 47 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 15 to 20mph. Gusts up to 30mph increasing to 40mph in the afternoon. 15 to 20mph. Gusts up to 45mph, decreasing to 30mph after midnight. Light winds becoming 10 to 15mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the evening. Partly cloudy.
Temperatures: 39 to 45 deg. F. 27 to 32 deg. F. 39 to 44 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 20 to 35mph with gusts to 60mph. 20 to 35mph with gusts to 60mph. 20 to 30mph with gusts to 55mph.
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