THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 28, 2019 @ 6:45 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 27, 2019 @ 6:45 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.

1. Low

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Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution
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Warm and mild temperatures today could allow for wet snow instabilities to form on sun exposed terrain at all elevations.  Wet snow instabilities ( roller balls, pin wheels, and/or small sluffs ) are expected to be mainly small in size and start to develop during the midday hours.  Firm crusts may exist in some wind scoured terrain that may pose fall and travel hazards.

Practice safe travel protocols to reduce your risk in the backcountry.  Have a travel plan, avoid areas of concern, and communicate effectively within your group.

recent observations
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*  Observations from Incline Lake Peak ( Mt. Rose area) showed a mix of snow surfaces.  On northerly aspects, wind scoured snow existed in upper elevation areas, with slow and sticky snow in lower elevation terrain by midday.  Southerly aspects had 3-4'' of wet snow on top of supportable snow by late morning.

*  Good riding conditions were reported from the Independence Lake area.  Soft snow on top of a supportable base was found above 7500' on N/NE aspects.

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Dry conditions with warm and mild temperatures will continue into the first part of this week.  Overnight temperatures above 8000' ranged from the mid 30's to mid 40's.  Cloud cover will increase and become more widespread with NW winds becoming light to moderate in speed at the higher elevations.  There is a chance of precipitation by the end of the 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: 33 to 44 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 48 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 66 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 63 to 85 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet decreasing to 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 49 to 55. deg. F. 29 to 35. deg. F. 42 to 47. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. East winds to 10 mph. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 8000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 42 to 50. deg. F. 27 to 32. deg. F. 40 to 45. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. North 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Northeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
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