THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 29, 2019 @ 6:48 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 28, 2019 @ 6:48 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

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

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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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Another warm day is forecasted for our area with slightly cooler temperatures than yesterday.  Minor wet snow instabilities will continue to form on sun exposed terrain during the midday hours.  These instabilities are expected to be small and in the form of roller balls, pinwheels, and/or small sluffs.  In addition to the wet snow, firm crusts exists in previously wind scoured and exposed areas.   These firm crusts could present travel and fall hazards.

Manage terrain to avoid any areas of concern you encounter in the backcountry.  Normal caution is advised.  

 

recent observations
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*  On Mt. Judah (Donner Pass area), southerly aspects were soft with 2-3'' of wet spring like snow on top of a supportable base at 11:30am.  Rapid warming with full sunshine was present through the midday hours.  Areas of scoured firm crusts were encountered in previously wind exposed terrain.

*  Snowmobiles in the Independence Lake area reported good riding conditions in the morning.  Supportability became an issue in the afternoon as the upper snowpack warmed and weakened.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Dry weather with above average temperatures will continue.  Slightly cooler temperatures are forecasted for today than yesterday with light NE winds expected.  High level clouds will be on the increase ahead of a weak system that will move through our area tonight and into Tuesday.  Light snow will be possible above 7500' with light rain at lower elevations.  Another chance for additional precipitation is for late Wednesday into Thursday with a potentially larger storm for Friday into Saturday which could bring colder temperatures.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 32 to 41 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 56 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW shifting to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 25 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 32 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 63 to 83 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain and snow. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Temperatures: 42 to 47. deg. F. 27 to 32. deg. F. 41 to 46. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 70% probability up to 1 inch. 30% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Temperatures: 39 to 45. deg. F. 26 to 31. deg. F. 36 to 42. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Light winds becoming southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph after midnight. Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 70% probability up to 1 inch. 30% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 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