THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON February 3, 2020 @ 7:00 am
Avalanche Forecast published on February 2, 2020 @ 7:00 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

Significant avalanche activity should remain unlikely today since old snow should remain frozen and the forecast only calls for limited amounts of new snow. Variable and firm snow conditions in the backcountry could present challenges for backcountry travelers. LOW avalanche danger exists 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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Clear skies and near-freezing temperatures should have allowed snow surfaces to refreeze during the night. Expect to find mostly firm conditions in the backcountry today since colder temperatures and increased cloud cover should keep most slopes frozen. Small amounts of new snow on these firm surfaces may result in "dust on crust" conditions this afternoon.

Some fresh snowdrifts may form on leeward aspects near ridgelines later today, but they should remain limited in size and distribution since only 2 inches of snow is forecast. If more snow falls than forecast, then some more problematic wind slabs may form in the most heavily wind-loaded areas.

Avalanches should remain unlikely today, but still travel using normal caution and reinforce good habits. Making a plan that matches your group's skills and goals can lay the groundwork for an enjoyable day in the mountains despite potentially firm and challenging conditions.

recent observations
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* Warm sunny weather left wet snow on sun-exposed aspects yesterday. In many places, the wet snow rested on top of cold snow and created heavy sticky conditions.

* Shady slopes held breakable crusts and firm snow on the surface. 

* Several small loose wet avalanches (size D1) occurred around the forecast area over the past few days.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

SW winds have started to increase ahead of a cold front expected to move into the region later today. This front should bring a significant drop in temperatures with lows tonight in the single digits and highs tomorrow in the teens and 20's in the mountains. The cold front should also bring some snow to the region later this afternoon and evening, but accumulation should remain limited since it is a mostly dry weather system. The forecast does call for up to 2 inches of new snow with a slight chance for up to 4 inches in some places. Cold dry weather should linger through mid-week. 

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 41 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 48 to 56 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 28 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 64 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 42 to 51 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny then becoming mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow likely in the evening, then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 55%. Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 35 to 41 in the morning, dropping through the day. deg. F. 8 to 14 deg. F. 19 to 24 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. North around 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability up to 2 inches. 30% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. Up to 2 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny then becoming mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Snow likely in the evening, then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 55%. Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 31 to 37 in the morning, dropping through the day. deg. F. 4 to 9. deg. F. 14 to 20. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 45 to 60 mph with gusts to 95 mph decreasing to 35 to 55 mph with gusts to 75 mph in the afternoon. Northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. North 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph decreasing to 35 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: 70% probability up to 2 inches. 30% probability of 2 to 4 inches. | SWE = up to 0.15 inch. Up to 2 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 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