THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 5, 2019 @ 6:54 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 4, 2019 @ 6:54 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues today for all elevations. Avalanche danger will increase significantly tomorrow at all elevations following the onset of new snowfall.

1. Low

?

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

1. Low

?

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

1. Low

?

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

Use the normal caution ideas today: carry proper companion rescue gear, communicate within your group a plan for managing avalanche terrain, and expose only one person at a time to avalanche terrain. Variable snow surface conditions may increase the likelihood of a fall or crash today. Discuss within your group how in some cases, a medical response for a hurt person within your group may be more likely to occur than dealing with an avalanche burial. Create a travel plan that addresses both of these concerns.

recent observations
Submit Observations

* Recent observations from along the Sierra Crest indicate questionable ability for the upper snowpack layers consisting of weak facets and thin crusts to support new snow loading.

* The snowpack in the Mt. Rose area (Carson Range) lacks these crusts and appears in decent condition to handle new snow loading. Shallower, weaker snow has been noted further south along the Carson Range closer to Freel and Jobs Peaks.

* Recent gale force NE wind and warming events have left behind variable snow surface conditions including firm wind packed, firm wind scoured, exposed ice, melt freeze crust, and pockets of soft unconsolidated snow. In many locations, these different conditions exist in close proximity to one another.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Today's weather forecast calls for increasing clouds and increasing SW ridgetop winds ahead of a series of storms expected to impact the region starting tomorrow. Air temperatures will climb above freezing today in most if not all mountain locations. A period of high intensity snowfall is forecast for Saturday afternoon with gale force ridgetop winds. Get the latest info on tomorrow's storm from NWS Reno.

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 37 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 38 to 51 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 16 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 31 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.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 85%.
Temperatures: 40 to 45. deg. F. 24 to 29. deg. F. 31 to 36. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph increasing to 50 mph after midnight. South 15 to 30 mph increasing to 25 to 35 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 60 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 80% probability of 4 to 8 inches. 20% probability of 3 to 6 inches. | SWE = 0.25-0.50 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 85%.
Temperatures: 37 to 42. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 28 to 33. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph increasing to 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph in the afternoon. Southwest 25 to 35 mph increasing to south 30 to 50 mph after midnight. Gusts up to 80 mph. South 40 to 60 mph with gusts to 100 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 80% probability of 6 to 10 inches. 20% probability of 4 to 8 inches. | SWE = 0.30-0.55 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