THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 20, 2020 @ 6:51 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 19, 2020 @ 6:51 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Firm snow conditions with potential fall hazards will continue to exist throughout the forecast region.  Some areas of soft spring snow should develop at low to mid elevations today.  Normal caution is advised with LOW avalanche danger expected.

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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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Well below freezing overnight temperatures along with mostly clear skies will have allowed for a strong refreeze of the snow surface.  Firm snow surfaces are expected on most all aspects and elevations during the morning hours.  As the sun warms the snow surface, soft corn snow will develop on SE-S-SW aspects by mid-day at low to mid elevations.  Moderate E winds are forecasted to develop through the day and could delay or prohibit snow softening in wind exposed areas and upper elevations.  Loose wet snow instabilities are not expected to be a concern for today.  

Widespread firm and variable snow surfaces exist throughout the forecast region.  Sliding falls continue to be the primary hazard for backcountry users.  As snowmelt continues at the lower elevations; exposed rocks, vegetation, and open water in creeks may also present travel concerns.  Make sure your group has a travel plan that matches our current conditions.

recent observations
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Good soft corn snow developed on Silver Peak (Pole Creek area) yesterday.  By 12 noon, SE and S aspects were soft at the low to mid elevations, with the upper elevations remaining firm due to moderate SW winds.  Firm and variable snow existed on N-NE aspects.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Dry conditions along with East winds are expected for today and Thursday.  All remote sensors reported below freezing overnight temperatures with most locations in the low to mid 20's.  A weak system brings chances of light precipitation to areas south of Hwy. 50 on Friday night into Saturday.  Another system brushes by to the north on Sunday and Monday bringing cooler temperatures and increased winds.  This dry spell continues with no signs of a major storm hitting our area through the rest of February.   

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 23 to 29 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 33 to 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 10 to 25 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 41 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 40 to 49 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 37 to 43. deg. F. 19 to 24. deg. F. 41 to 47. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds becoming southeast around 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Partly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 31 to 37. deg. F. 17 to 22. deg. F. 35 to 41. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East around 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. East around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Southeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 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