THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 15, 2017 @ 6:43 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 14, 2017 @ 6:43 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations. Minor wet loose avalanche activity could occur again today in response to daytime warming. 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: Loose Wet
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

As daytime warming progresses and surface crusts melt away, wet loose avalanches could occur again today in sun exposed areas. The vast majority of wet loose instability is expected to occur on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects on slopes 37 degrees and steeper. Expected size for most avalanche activity is small. In isolated areas wet loose avalanche size sufficient to bury a person could occur, especially if a terrain trap is involved. Human triggered roller balls and pinwheels reaching 1 foot or more in diameter will give indication of slopes to avoid. Areas around exposed rock features will heat up more quickly than open snow covered slopes.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations made yesterday in Poison Canyon (near Bear Valley) and on Andesite Ridge (Donner Summit area) did not reveal any signs of ongoing instability. Minor amounts of snow surface melt were noted in both areas. As of 3 pm no wet loose avalanches were seen on Castle or Andesite Peaks. A wet loose avalanche was reported to have occured on Mount Rose proper (the peak, not the ski area) on a S aspect during the mid afternoon hours.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The axis of high pressure will be over the forecast area today for sunny skies and decreasing winds. Ridgetop winds remain moderate in speed out of the NE this morning and are expected to become light as the morning progresses. As the ridge of high pressure moves out of the forecast area tomorrow, increasing cloud cover and increasing SW winds are forecast ahead of the next storm system. Precipitation is expected to arrive late tomorrow night with snow level initially around 8,000'.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 26 to 34 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 40 to 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 22 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 34 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 120 to 140 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies, becoming sunny. Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies, becoming mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 41 to 46 deg. F. 15 to 25 deg. F. 47 to 52 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: NE, becoming variable. Variable SW
Wind Speed: Light winds Light winds Light winds becoming 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies, becoming sunny. Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies, becoming mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 40 to 45 deg. F. 20 to 26 deg. F. 43 to 49 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NE, becoming variable. SE SW
Wind Speed: 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the morning, becoming light. 10 to 15 with gusts to 25 mph in the evening, becoming light. 15 to 25 mph. Gusts to 35 mph increasing to 45 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