THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 1, 2017 @ 6:49 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 31, 2017 @ 6:49 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations. Isolated areas of instability may exist. Use normal caution while traveling in the backcountry by utilizing the accepted best practice travel techniques for travel in or below avalanche terrain.

1. Low

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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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    Certain
    Very Likely
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No specific avalanche problems of major concern exist in the backcountry at this time. Minor, mostly inconsequential wet loose instabilities may occur again today in steep areas that receive direct sun exposure. Isolated slab avalanche activity is unlikely but not impossible today, especially in complex or extreme terrain. Large cornices present an ongoing hazard, especially while in melt phase.

Keep the odds stacked in favor of the backcountry traveler by utilizing accepted best practice travel techniques for travel in or below avalanche terrain. This includes exposing only one person at a time to steep slopes and not grouping up in low angle areas with connected steeper terrain above (avalanche runout zones). Avoid traveling near cornice edges or stopping below cornice features as large sections of cornice collapse can occur.

recent observations
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Observations made yesterday on Rubicon Peak (West Shore Tahoe area) and on Jobs Sister (Luther Pass area) revealed areas of snow surface warming. On Rubicon Peak wet surface snow was noted in shaded areas on N aspects between 7,200' and 7,600'. This elevation band was just on the warm side of the air temperature inversion boundary. More widespread areas of surface wet snow were noted on Jobs Sister on S-SE aspects as high as 10,000' during the afternoon hours. Wet snow was not present on the E aspect of Rubicon Peak at 9,000' at mid day. Signs of over 2 feet of storm snow settlement occurring over the past week were present on the N slopes of Rubicon Peak.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Partly cloudy skies and continued well above freezing air temperatures at the mid and upper elevations are expected today as high pressure and inversion conditions remain in place over the forecast area. Ridgetop winds out of the SW began increasing in speed yesterday afternoon and are expected to continue in the moderate to strong range. Some break down in the air temperature inversion is expected for Wednesday. The next storm system is expected to bring precipitation to the forecast area beginning late Wednesday/early Thursday. For more information on the approaching storm system please see the Winter Storm Watch issued by NWS Reno.

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 40 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 44 to 53 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 52 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 100 to 125 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. Partly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 43 to 48 deg. F. 23 to 29 deg. F. 39 to 44 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies. Mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures: 41 to 47 deg. F. 27 to 32 deg. F. 35 to 41 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 60 mph. 20 to 35 mph. Gusts to 60 mph increasing to 80 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