THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 19, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 18, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger will exist at all elevations while the snow surface remains frozen this morning. The avalanche danger will quickly increase to MODERATE and loose wet avalanches will become possible as the day warms up. 

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: Loose Wet
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Last night's clear skies should have allowed enough heat to escape from the snowpack for a thin refreeze even though temperatures remained above freezing. Today's strong sun and warm daytime temperatures will quickly melt thought this refreeze. Loose wet avalanches will become possible as the crust melts. Some of these could entrain enough snow to have consequences for backcountry travelers, especially on long steep sunny slopes where more recent snow exists. 

Conditions will switch from supportable and frozen to loose and wet in a short amount of time. Once the snow surface starts to become unsupportable it is time to either get off the snow or focus on low angle slopes. Today is one of those great days for recreating on snow in the morning then switching activities entirely in the afternoon.

recent observations
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* Yesterday on Stevens Peak ankle deep wet snow existed on sun-exposed aspects at all elevations by 11:30 am. Ski cuts triggered roller balls and at least one D1 loose wet avalanche around noon.

* Widespread loose wet avalanche activity has occurred since the new snowfall on Monday night. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Last night, some lower elevations areas did fall below freezing due to cold air sinking into the valleys, but almost all of the sensors on ridges and at upper elevations remained well above freezing. High pressure will bring sunny warm weather with light winds to the region through Friday. Daytime highs could reach into the upper 50's or low 60's above 7000 ft. and even warmer below 7000 ft. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 35 to 42 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 46 to 54 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 49 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 100 to 151 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels 9000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels 10500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 9500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 56 to 62 deg. F. 34 to 39 deg. F. 57 to 63 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: East around 10 mph with gusts to 20 mph in the early morning then becoming light. Light winds. Light winds becoming southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels 9000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels 10500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 9500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 50 to 58 deg. F. 32 to 37 deg. F. 50 to 58 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph decreasing to south 10 to 20 mph by midday. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. 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