THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 19, 2019 @ 6:53 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 18, 2019 @ 6:53 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline areas due to wind slabs.  LOW avalanche danger will continue in below treeline areas.  Human triggered avalanches are possible 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.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    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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Winds increased yesterday afternoon and shifted to the SW.  Winds will continue today in the strong to gale force range.  New wind slabs are expected to form in near and above treeline areas today.  Soft snow along ridges with the expected couple inches of new snow today, will be available for snow transport.

Blowing snow and new cornice formation will be clues to where new wind slabs are forming.  Many of these wind slabs could have hard slab characteristics.  Good snow quality continues to exist in wind protected below treeline terrain.

recent observations
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* Hard wind slabs up to 1' deep were seen in wind loaded terrain on Silver Peak (Pole Creek area).  Surface hoar and near surface facets were found in open below treeline areas (7000-8000'). 

* Wind scoured and textured snow surfaces were seen on multiple aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Good snow quality existed in wind protected below treeline terrain.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly cloudy skies as a weak low pressure moves into our area with 2'' of new snow forecasted today.  Strong to gale force SW winds started last night and are expected to continue.  Brief high pressure will build into our region on Thursday and into the first part of the weekend with warming temperatures.  Another storm is possible starting Saturday night into Sunday.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 18 to 25 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 37 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: S to the SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 25 to 50 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 75 mph
New snowfall: Trace to 1 inches
Total snow depth: 46 to 52 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow showers developing by the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Mostly cloudy. Isolated snow showers in the evening. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 27 to 32. deg. F. 19 to 25. deg. F. 34 to 39. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: South to southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 80% probability of up to 2 inches. 20% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = less than 0.25 inch. up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow showers developing by the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Mostly cloudy. Isolated snow showers in the evening. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 23 to 29. deg. F. 17 to 22. deg. F. 30 to 35. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: South to southwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph in the evening. Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: 80% probability up to 2 inches. 20% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = less than 0.25 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