THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 2, 2019 @ 7:00 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 31, 2018 @ 7:00 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations through New Year's Day. Even though avalanche activity is unlikely, other problems could arise resulting from the firm and challenging snow surface conditions on most exposed slopes. This forecast will be updated again on January 2, 2019.

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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Challenging snow surface conditions resulting from the strong shifting winds over the last several days pose a potential problem in the backcountry. Expect to find a mix of firm scoured crusts, hard wind slabs, wind-sculpted snow, and exposed ground in wind-exposed near and above treeline terrain. Some wind-affected snow surfaces may also exist in below treeline terrain. In the most wind-sheltered below treeline terrain areas of soft snow may still exist. Avalanche activity remains unlikely, but finding a small unstable wind slab on an isolated terrain feature may not be impossible. 

The difficult snow surfaces mentioned above could make traveling in exposed terrain onerous and any falls could have consequences. A travel plan that focuses on finding sheltered areas where soft snow may still exist could help find more fun snow and avoid unwanted surprises resulting from falls or an unlikely but not impossible wind slab. Continue to manage your group by using good travel techniques while moving through the backcountry.

recent observations
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* Observations yesterday from Silver Peak and Tamarack Peak found variable wind affected snow surfaces ranging from firm uneven sastrugi to hard wind slabs to exposed rain crusts to exposed dirt in exposed near and above treeline terrain.  

* Sheltered near and below treeline areas on Silver Peak still held some weak, soft, unconsolidated snow but areas where consistent soft snow existed were harder to find. 

* Snowpit data from Silver Peak showed that the weak snow layers existed in the upper third of the snowpack continue to lose strength. Monitoring these weaknesses will continue as they represent a potential problem during future loading events.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A cold front passing through the area has replaced yesterday's warm temps and west winds with colder than normal temperatures and strong NE winds. Expect the strong winds and cold temperatures to continue through New Years Day. The forecast calls for highs in the teens and 20's and lows in the single digits but the temperatures will feel significantly colder than that due to the wind chill. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 7 to 15 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 34 to 45 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW shifting to NE after midnight
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 108 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 30 to 36 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 ft. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Snow levels below 7000 ft. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Sunny. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 17 to 23 deg. F. 3 to 11 deg. F. 24 to 29 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Northeast 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph increasing to 45 mph in the afternoon. Northeast 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph shifting to the east 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 45 mph after midnight. East 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph decreasing to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: None | SWE = Trace amounts None | SWE = none None | SWE = none
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 ft. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Snow levels below 7000 ft. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Sunny. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 13 to 18 deg. F. 0 to 6 deg. F. 22 to 28 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 75 mph. Northeast 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 105 mph. Northeast 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 75 mph decreasing to 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: None | SWE = Trace amounts None | SWE = none None | SWE = none
Disclaimer

This avalanche forecast is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This forecast 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 forecast applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This forecast expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this forecast is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

For a recorded version of the avalanche forecast call (530) 587-3558 x258