THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 2, 2020 @ 7:00 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 31, 2019 @ 7:00 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE avalanche danger will remain with wind slabs possible in near and above treeline areas.  LOW avalanche danger will continue in below treeline terrain.  This two day avalanche forecast will be updated on Thursday morning by 7am. 

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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    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
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    Very Large
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High winds and changing wind directions have been scouring exposed near and above treeline areas over the last week.  This has left wind exposed terrain with a variety of hard slabs, scoured firm crusts, and some areas of wind slabs.  NE/E winds peaked last night with gusts up to 90-100mph.  These winds should decrease somewhat today, but still remain moderate to strong.  Winds change early Wednesday morning to the W then to the NW and increase right back up to gale force by Wednesday afternoon.  With elevated wind speeds and changing wind directions, wind slabs could exist on any aspect in near and above treeline areas.   

Available snow for transport is becoming limited, but blowing snow is still expected when gale force winds are occurring.  The best chances of finding soft snow will be in the most wind protected below treeline areas away from the wind slab problem.     

recent observations
Submit Observations

NE winds were moderate to strong on Mt. Judah (Donner Summit area) yesterday transporting snow.  Small wind slabs were building on SW-W aspects in near and above treeline areas.  These wind slabs were small in size and did not extend very far downslope.

Buried surface hoar was found at Tamarack Junction (Carson Pass area) yesterday.  This buried surface hoar was under a couple inches of new snow that fell yesterday.  Only slightly buried, this layer does not represent a current avalanche problem , but will require further monitoring.

Dense fog and freezing fog was reported in multiple locations yesterday morning. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

NE winds last night increased to 60-70mph with gusts reaching 95mph at Ward Peak and 102mph at Kirkwood.  NE winds should decrease through today with partly cloudy conditions.  A storm passes by to our north on Wednesday bringing increasing clouds and wind.  W to NW winds will be strong to gale force starting Wednesday.  Mostly quiet weather with light wind is expected into the weekend with the potential for some small weak storms to impact our area.  

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 21 to 29 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 31 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE/E
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 to 70 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 102 mph
New snowfall: Trace to 1 inches
Total snow depth: 44 to 50 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 then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000'. Chance of precipitation is 0% Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000'. Chance of precipitation is 0% Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7500'. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 34 to 39 deg. F. 24 to 29 deg. F. 38 to 43 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. West around 15mph with gusts to 55mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation | SWE = None No accumulation | SWE = None No accumulation | SWE = None
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000'. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000'. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7500'. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 30 to 35 deg. F. 23 to 28 deg. F. 34 to 39 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East around 15mph. Gusts to 35mph decreasing to 25mph in the afternoon. East 15 to 25mph with gusts to 50mph shifting to the W with gusts to 40mph after midnight. West 20 to 30 with gusts to 60mph increasing to NW 30 to 50mph with gusts to 90mph 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