THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 20, 2017 @ 6:47 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 19, 2017 @ 6:47 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Low avalanche danger exists at all elevations throughout the forecast area.  Loose wet avalanche activity should remain limited today.  If we receive more rain or more intense sun than forecasted, loose wet avalanches could become possible.  Avoid travel in areas below large cornices and glide cracks.

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: Loose Wet
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Slightly colder overnight temperatures with increasing cloud cover and winds should all help to make loose wet avalanche activity unlikely today.  Any loose wet activity that does form should remain small.  If we receive more rain or longer periods of intense sun than forecasted, loose wet activity could become possible especially on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.

If the snow becomes wet and unsupportable in your area, it's time to change aspects to where colder snow exists.  Terrain traps, such as gullies, can magnify the consequences of even small loose wet activity.  Areas below cornices and glide cracks should be avoided. 

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations were made and received yesterday from Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area), Relay Peak (Mt. Rose area), and Negro Canyon (Donner Summit area).  Cloud cover with light rain was reported in the Northern part of the forecast area while the southern part remained in partly cloudy conditions.  Supportable snow conditions were reported at the higher elevations of Relay Peak and Carson Pass while Negro Canyon had wet surface snow with boot pen of 6'' at 3pm near 7000'.  With mostly clear overnight skies, a 4'' melt freeze crust provided good corn snow conditions at Carson Pass.  No signs of loose wet avalanche activity was reported at any location.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly cloudy today with gusty ridge winds and a slight chance of showers.  Shower activity should be very limited through the forecast area.  Monday dries out with increasing winds ahead of a warm storm impacting our area Monday night through Tuesday.  Cooling temperatures through the week with another colder storm forecasted for Friday.

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 39 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 45 to 47 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 35 to 50 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 73 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 117 to 170 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. Chance of showers in the afternoon. Cloudy. Slight chance of showers through the night. Cloudy. Slight chance of showers.
Temperatures: 47 to 53 deg. F. 30 to 35 deg. F. 47 to 53 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: SW SW SW
Wind Speed: 15 to 20mph with gusts to 40mph. 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph. 15 to 20mph with gusts to 40mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Cloudy. Slight chance of showers. Cloudy. Slight chance of showers.
Temperatures: 42 to 50 deg. F. 28 to 33 deg. F. 40 to 48 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: SW SW S
Wind Speed: 25 to 35mph. Gusts to 80mph decreasing to 70mph in the afternoon. 25 to 35mph with gusts to 75mph. 20 to 35mph with gusts to 70mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 to trace 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