THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 21, 2019 @ 6:49 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 20, 2019 @ 6:49 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger exists from the start today due to poor conditions for snow surface refreeze last night. A loose wet avalanche problem is expected at all elevations today.

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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Snow surface refreeze last night is expected to be weak to nonexistent. Air temperatures were above freezing last night at all locations. Cloud cover is expected to have minimized any refreeze effects from radiational cooling. A loose wet avalanche problem is expected to exist nearly all day today on all aspects at all elevations. The expected rain on snow below 9,000' today will further fuel this avalanche problem. Avalanche size is expected mostly at D1 with up to size D2 possible.

Don't expect a good window for travel in steep avalanche terrain today. Plan a route that provides options for travel on lower angle slopes. When deep or unsupportable wet snow is encountered, exercise the lower angle route options in order to minimize exposure to the loose wet avalanche hazard.

recent observations
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* Several nights in a row of weak snow surface refreezes have occurred with the addition of cloud cover last night.

* Loose wet avalanche conditions have existed daily.

* Snowpack instability is expected to occur near the surface with the deeper snowpack generally well consolidated.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A weather system will move through the region today. This is expected to bring increasing cloud cover, above freezing air temperatures, light rain below 9,000', and moderate to strong SW winds. Winds are forecast to shift to the N tonight and decrease to moderate speed. Colder, near to below freezing air temperatures are forecast for tonight. Decreasing cloud cover and cooler but still above freezing air temperatures are expected for Sunday. Clearing skies and a warming trend are forecast for this week.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 36 to 41 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 48 to 55 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SSW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 29 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 52 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 96 to 149 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers. Snow levels 9000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 42 to 48 deg. F. 30 to 35 deg. F. 41 to 47 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the afternoon. Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the evening becoming light. Light winds becoming north around 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers through the day. Snow levels 9000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Isolated showers in the evening. Snow levels 8000 feet decreasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 37 to 42 deg. F. 23 to 28 deg. F. 37 to 42. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph becoming west around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph after midnight. North 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: 80% probability up to 1 inch. 20% probability of 1 to 2 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. Up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 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