THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON November 30, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on November 29, 2019 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

MODERATE Avalanche Danger will exist in near and above treeline areas due to wind slabs.  Early season conditions with a thin snowpack and obstacles are present throughout the forecast region.

 

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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Wind slabs will be possible today in near and above treeline terrain.  Existing wind slabs could continue to be sensitive with newly forming wind slabs as W winds increase in speed today into the moderate to strong range.  Look for blowing snow, cornices, snow surface scouring, and wind pillows as clues to where these wind slabs may exist.  Even small avalanches could have large consequences with the thin snowpack and amount of exposed obstacles.  

recent observations
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* 1 to 2.5' snowpack over most of the forecast area. 

* Wind slab avalanches reported along the Sierra Crest and the Mt. Rose area over the past 2 days.

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Light snow showers will continue through today before diminishing tonight.  West winds will increase to the moderate to strong range above 7000' as continued cold temperatures struggle to get into the low 20's.  A winter storm watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning as our next storm approaches.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 12 to 17 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 24 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE to W
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 48 mph
New snowfall: Trace to 3 inches
Total snow depth: 15 to 27 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. Chance of snow in the morning, then chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 45%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the evening. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Cloudy. Chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 35%.
Temperatures: 18 to 23. deg. F. 9 to 15. deg. F. 24 to 29. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: West 15 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph increasing to 35 mph in the afternoon. Southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: 60% probability up to 4 inches. 40% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = none. 30% probability up to 1 inch. 70% probability no accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Cloudy. Chance of snow in the morning, then chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the evening. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Cloudy. Chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Temperatures: 14 to 19. deg. F. 8 to 13. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: West 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph increasing to 35 mph in the afternoon. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. South 15 to 25 mph.
Expected snowfall: 60% probability up to 4 inches. 40% probability no accumulation. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 30% probability up to 1 inch. 70% 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