THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 17, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 16, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

New snow overnight along with strong winds will continue through the morning.  MODERATE avalanche danger will exist today due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems.

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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Strong SW/W winds will continue through today with light amounts of new snow available for wind transport.  Newly formed wind slab avalanches will be possible in near and above treeline areas.  Most wind slabs are expected to be small in size due to limited new snow, but in some areas wind slab avalanches could be large enough to be problematic for backcountry users. 

Look for blowing snow, new cornice development, and fresh wind pillows.  Strong winds will have scoured most exposed areas down to previous firm crusts.

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
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This storm will quickly move through our area this morning bringing some clearing with partly sunny skies this afternoon.  Loose wet avalanches will become possible as warming and solar radiation increase during the day.  These loose wet instabilities will mainly involve the recent storm snow along with the old snow as the surface crusts warm and lose strength.

Monitor snow surface conditions.  As the new storm snow becomes wet and/or the snow surface starts to lose supportability, its' time to use terrain options to limit your exposure to the loose wet avalanche hazards.

recent observations
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*  Warmer overnight temperatures with increased cloud cover made for a partial refreeze yesterday on Jakes Peak (West Shore area) above 8000' with no snow surface refreeze below 7600'.  By 11:30am snow surface supportability was deteriorating at all elevations with lower elevations wet and punchy.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

2 to 5'' of new snow reported from remote sensors overnight mainly limited to along the Sierra Crest.  Strong SW/W winds will continue today before shifting to the NE tonight.  Clearing skies are expected today from North to South with a warming trend through the week.  Temperature inversions will begin to develop and strengthen over the next few day with above freezing temperatures potentially by Thursday night.  Another unsettled spring storm is possible for Friday night into Saturday. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 23 to 29 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 30 to 41 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 40 to 50 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 77 mph
New snowfall: 2 to 5 inches
Total snow depth: 104 to 154 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Chance of snow showers through the day. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 35%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 40 to 45. deg. F. 24 to 29. deg. F. 51 to 57. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the morning becoming light. Light winds. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: 100% probability up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Chance of snow showers through the day. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 35%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 34 to 40. deg. F. 21 to 26. deg. F. 45 to 51. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: West 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph decreasing to 30 mph in the afternoon. Northeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Northeast 15 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph decreasing to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 100% probability up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | 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