This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This advisory 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 advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

The next storm system to affect the forecast area is expected to arrive this afternoon. Ridgetop winds are shifting from west to southwest ahead of the approaching storm. Air temperatures are on the rise this morning as warmer air is pushed through the forecast area prior to the expected cold front passage. Increasing ridgetop winds and increasing snowfall are expected late today through the overnight hours.

Yesterday, observations made on Relay Peak (Mount Rose area) and on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) both indicated a mix of conditions in wind exposed and winds sheltered areas. Wind exposed areas were heavily scoured by the 12/19 storm event with conditions ranging from bare ground or ice to high density supportable wind slabs. In more wind protected areas, enjoyable unconsolidated snow surface conditions were found. Snowpits dug near treeline on a 32 degree east aspect at 9,600' on Relay and near treeline on an north aspect at 8,300' on Castle both gave indications of a stable snowpack.

Today, a stable snowpack exists in most areas. However, human triggered avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. The right combination of buried weak layer (surface hoar or faceted snow) combined with the right trigger point on the slope could cause an avalanche of significant size. This will be difficult but not impossible to accomplish today.

Gale force SW winds during and after the 12/19 storm event scoured any available snow for wind transport. As a result, new wind loading in lee areas will not occur until late this afternoon and after the onset of snowfall. Expect some shallow slabs to form near and above treeline in wind loaded areas, mainly on N-NE-E aspects.

The bottom line:

This morning, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. After the onset of snowfall, expect some pockets of MODERATE danger to develop late this afternoon near and above treeline on N-NE-E aspects that are 35 degrees and steeper.

The bottom line:

This morning, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. After the onset of snowfall, expect some pockets of MODERATE danger to develop late this afternoon near and above treeline on N-NE-E aspects that are 35 degrees and steeper.

Brandon Schwartz - Avalanche Forecaster, Tahoe National Forest

Weather Observations from along the Sierra Crest between 8200 ft and 8800 ft:

0600 temperature:	27 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours:	27 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours:	West Southwest
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours:	25 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours:	40 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours:	0 to Trace inches
Total snow depth:	31 inches

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast - Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS

For 7000-8000 ft:
	Sunday:	Sunday Night:	Monday:
Weather:	Scattered snow showers in the morning. Snow likely in the afternoon.	Snow	Snow in the morning. Scattered snow showers in the afternoon.
Temperatures:	26 to 33 deg. F.	16 to 23 deg. F.	19 to 26 deg. F.
Wind direction:	Southwest	Southwest	Southwest
Wind speed:	10 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph in the afternoon.	20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph	15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph
Expected snowfall:	Trace to 2 in.	4 to 8 in.	1 to 3 in.
For 8000-9000 ft:
	Sunday:	Sunday Night:	Monday:
Weather:	Scattered snow showers in the morning. Snow likely in the afternoon.	Snow	Snow in the morning. Scattered snow showers in the afternoon.
Temperatures:	23 to 30 deg. F.	14 to 21 deg. F.	15 to 22 deg. F.
Wind direction:	Southwest	Southwest	Southwest
Wind speed:	25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph, increasing to 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 75 mph in the afternoon.	40 to 60 mph with gusts to 100 mph	35 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph
Expected snowfall:	Trace to 2 in.	5 to 10 in.	1 to 4 in.