THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON April 10, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Avalanche Forecast published on April 9, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Colder temperatures, strong winds, and some light snow flurries are expected throughout today.  MODERATE avalanche danger will continue due to a loose wet avalanche problem. 

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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Overnight we had rain with a light dusting of new snow.  Temperatures have cooled with strong SW winds shifting to the NW forecasted for today.  These strong winds, cooler temperatures, and cloud cover should limit some loose wet instabilities at the higher elevations.  At mid to lower elevations, loose wet avalanche activity will remain possible as warming occurs.  Areas that received significant rain overnight with a partial to no refreeze will be wet and unsupportable this morning.  Sun breaks could also add rapid warming to the upper snowpack and lead to wet snow instabilities.  Loose wet avalanches up to size D2 are possible.

Monitor snow surface conditions.  Wet and unsupportable surface snow will indicate a marginal overnight refreeze or that rapid warming has occurred.  Roller balls and pinwheels will be an indication that larger loose wet avalanches could occur.  Use terrain to manage slope angles to reduce loose wet avalanche hazards.    

recent observations
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*  A natural loose wet avalanche was reported from the Donner Peak area that was D2 in size.  Multiple skier triggered D1 loose wet avalanches were reported yesterday from Slide Mountain, Mt. Rose area.

*  Cloudy skies with warm conditions prevented an overnight refreeze throughout most of the forecast region yesterday.  Wet and unsupportable snow existed on most aspects and elevations.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

.90 to 1.80'' of rain was reported from the northern part of the forecast area while the mid to southern part received .20-.50'' of rain.  Snow was limited with a trace up to 1'' reported from remote sensors along the Sierra Crest.  Mostly cloudy skies today with strong SW winds shifting to the NW and continuing strong in speed throughout the day.  Light snow is expected today with the possibility of a thunder storm this afternoon.  Much colder temperatures continue through tonight and Wednesday with a northerly flow and strong winds.  A sunny day is forecasted for Wednesday, then more unsettled weather becomes possible for Thursday and 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: 22 to 31 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 38 to 50 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 to 60 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 111 mph
New snowfall: .20 to 1.80'' rain, 0 to 1 inches
Total snow depth: 107 to 156 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. Chance of snow in the morning, then widespread snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Isolated snow showers in the evening. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 33 to 39. deg. F. 19 to 25. deg. F. 38 to 44. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: West 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph. North 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. North 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability up to 2 inches. 30% probability no accumulation. | 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. Chance of snow in the morning, then widespread snow showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Mostly cloudy then becoming clear. Slight chance of thunderstorms and isolated snow showers in the evening. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 26 to 32. deg. F. 16 to 21. deg. F. 30 to 38. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 25 to 45 mph with gusts to 70 mph becoming northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon. North 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph increasing to 55 mph after midnight. North 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph decreasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: up to 2 inches. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 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