THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON November 24, 2020 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Forecast published on November 23, 2020 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Normal caution is advised. The existing shallow snowcover is supportable. Buried obstacles are avoidable for the most part, but still easy to hit.

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
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Field data collection over the past few days is indicating that significant, bonding, settlement, and stabilization have occurred within the snowpack since new snow loading and instability occurred Nov 18-20. The current period of SW ridgetop winds has been insufficient to move and drift appreciable amounts of snow on the ground or create a wind slab avalanche problem. Avalanche activity is unlikely at this time. Normal caution is advised as a tactic to minimize the consequences of the unlikely, unexpected avalanche event.

recent observations
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The best snow coverage of 1 to 2 feet exists above 7,300' to 7,800’ along the Sierra Crest and above 8,600’ in the Mt. Rose area. The previously problematic Nov 13 facet layer in the lower snowpack appears to have undergone substantial rounding, bonding, and stabilization over the past five days. Weak snow in the existing snowpack is now mostly at or near the surface. This does not present avalanche problems today but is being monitored for future weak layer development once more substantial snowfall buries this weaker snow. Trace amounts of new snow last night and today are probably insufficient to bury and preserve any of the surface hoar that has been widespread in many areas, but it is worth looking at. The current cycle of ridgetop winds from the SW has not been strong enough to drift and deposit enough snow to create any new wind slab concerns.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A few light snow showers moved through the forecast area last night for spotty trace accumulations. Scattered snow showers may continue at times this morning under partly cloudy skies. Ridgetop winds remain out of the SW this morning. Moderate wind speeds had a very brief spike into the strong range just after 9 pm last night. Winds are forecast to shift slightly towards the W and NW today as the current weather disturbance exits the region. A wind shift to E is forecast for tomorrow with continued moderate speeds. A return to SW winds is expected tomorrow night ahead of the next weather system to pass north of the forecast area Wed/Thurs with the potential for a few more snow showers.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 22 to 25 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 37 to 44 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 77 mph
New snowfall: 0 to trace inches
Total snow depth: 15 to 22 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 34 to 39. deg. F. 20 to 26. deg. F. 39 to 44. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: Little to no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 30 to 36. deg. F. 18 to 24. deg. F. 37 to 42. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: West 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Northwest 15 to 25 mph shifting to the east after midnight. Gusts up to 40 mph. East 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: Little to no accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 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