THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 4, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 3, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues at all elevations throughout the forecast region.  Avalanche activity is unlikely today.  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
  • Type ?

A mix of snow surfaces exist throughout the forecast region with many areas wind scoured, wind effected, with firm crusts and the occasional areas of soft snow.  Terrain that has been wind scoured down to old firm rain crusts could present fall hazards with challenging travel conditions.  Avalanche activity remains unlikely at this time.

Practice good travel techniques when in the backcountry by having a travel plan, communicating within your group, and managing any terrain hazards.  

recent observations
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*  Observations from Tom's Valley (Jackson Meadows area) showed a variety of snow surface conditions with firm exposed rain crusts in wind scoured locations.  The upper snowpack was a combination of rain crusts and weak faceted snow with some unstable snowpack test results. 

*  A thin and weak snowpack was observed on Porcupine Ridge (Luther Pass area).  Near surface faceting was seen under small surface wind slabs.  Large surface hoar was observed between 8000 to 9400'. 

*  A relatively shallow snowpack exists throughout the forecast region.  This shallow snowpack continues to weaken and facet over time with cold temperatures and clear skies.  These weak layers could represent a problem during future loading events.  

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Another nice day today with warming temperatures and light winds.  Clouds and wind will be on the increase on Friday ahead of a storm that is forecasted to arrive late Friday night/early Saturday morning.  A winter storm watch is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday morning for our region.  The forecast is for 1-1.5' of new snow over the Sierra Crest.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 37 to 38 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 40 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE shifting to SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 5 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 54 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 30 to 36 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 40 to 45. deg. F. 21 to 26. deg. F. 40 to 45. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 37 to 42. deg. F. 21 to 26. deg. F. 37 to 42. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Southwest 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph increasing to 35 mph after midnight. Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 60 mph 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