THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 4, 2019 @ 6:45 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 3, 2019 @ 6:45 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline areas due to lingering wind slabs.  LOW avalanche danger will be in below treeline areas.  Early season conditions exist with a thin snowpack and numerous exposed and barely covered obstacles. 

2. Moderate

?

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

2. Moderate

?

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

1. Low

?

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
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Wind slab instability could linger in near and above treeline areas.  Recent heavy snow and strong winds have built out large wind slabs and cornices in wind loaded terrain.  These wind slabs could remain active today and be human triggered.  Look for signs of recent wind slab avalanches, large cornices, wind pillows, and snow surface scouring as clues to where wind slabs may exist.  

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Natural and human triggered wind slab avalanches along with cornice fall reported from Tamarack Peak (Mt. Rose area).

* Light rain reported up to 8000' on Luther Pass with heavy dense snow.

* Snowpack above 8000' is generally 3 to 4.5' deep of thick dense snow.  Snowpack below 8000' is shallower and varies due to snow levels.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Widespread mist, fog, and low level clouds will be present with slight chances of light rain throughout the day.  Snow levels will be near 7500' with generally warm conditions and light winds.  A couple inches of new snow is possible for Wednesday for areas mostly south of Hwy 50.  After a break on Thursday, a larger winter storm is possible for the weekend.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 31 to 35 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 35 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 10 to 20 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 44 mph
New snowfall: Trace to 2 inches
Total snow depth: 40 to 59 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. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7500 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers in the evening, then slight chance of snow after midnight. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Cloudy. Chance of snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Temperatures: 33 to 38. deg. F. 24 to 29. deg. F. 31 to 36. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. 80% probability no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. No accumulation. 80% probability no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 40% probability up to 1 inch. 60% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the evening, then slight chance of snow after midnight. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Cloudy. Chance of snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 45%.
Temperatures: 31 to 36. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 28 to 33. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southeast around 15 mph. Light winds becoming southeast around 15 mph after midnight. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. 80% probability no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. No accumulation. 80% probability no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 60% probability up to 2 inches. 40% probability no accumulation. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch.
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