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 weather system that brushed past the forecast area yesterday deposited a trace to 1/2 inch of snow in most areas. Skies have cleared out overnight and ridgetop winds have continued to increase. Sunny skies with continued moderate to strong east to northeast winds are forecast for today. Remote sensors around 8,500' are reporting air temperatures in the upper teens this morning. Maximum daytime air temperatures in the 20s to low 30s are expected today for areas above 7,000'. Decreased winds and slightly warmer air temperatures are forecast for tomorrow.

Observations:

Observations made yesterday on Mt. Lola (Independence Lake area) matched well with other recent observations from around the forecast area (pit profile, more info). A generally stable snowpack consisting of either faceted snow with no overlying slab or hard slabs over facets and depth hoar exist on snow covered slopes. These snow covered NW-N-NE-E aspects are often well anchored. Exceptions exist as some slopes hold sufficient snow depth to negate the effects of anchoring as the anchors are below the depth of the surface slab. Most snowpit data and informal observations indicate that stable snow is generally widespread. Within that data, occasional indications of isolated areas of instability are noted every few days. As faceted snow is a persistent weak layer, it is no surprise that ongoing areas of isolated instability exist despite going a month without any significant new snowfall.

Avalanche Concerns: Persistent slabs

With a widespread stable snowpack in place, areas where one could trigger an avalanche are few and far between. That said, the structure of hard slabs over very well developed facets remains disconcerting. Steep northerly aspects that hold a combination of hard slabs and few to no visible anchors are best approached with great caution. Stability evaluation on a slope by slope basis remains a good idea at this time. Most evaluated slopes will not yield evidence of instability. Pay close attention to any evidence of instability that is found and use it to heavily influence decision making in regards to route selection.

The bottom line:

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised.

Brandon Schwartz - Avalanche Forecaster, Tahoe National Forest

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

0600 temperature:	17 to 20 deg. F.
Max. temperature in the last 24 hours:	19 to 26 deg. F.
Average wind direction during the last 24 hours:	East Northeast
Average wind speed during the last 24 hours:	44 mph
Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours:	79 mph
New snowfall in the last 24 hours:	trace to 1/2 inches
Total snow depth:	6 to 20 inches

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

For 7000-8000 ft:
	Friday:	Friday Night:	Saturday:
Weather:	Sunny skies.	Clear skies.	Sunny skies.
Temperatures:	26 to 33 deg. F.	16 to 23 deg. F.	33 to 40 deg. F.
Wind direction:	E	E	E
Wind speed:	15 to 25 mph with gusts to 50 mph.	10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.	10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.
Expected snowfall:	O in.	O in.	O in.
For 8000-9000 ft:
	Friday:	Friday Night:	Saturday:
Weather:	Sunny skies.	Clear skies.	Sunny skies.
Temperatures:	23 to 30 deg. F.	20 to 27 deg. F.	31 to 38 deg. F.
Wind direction:	E	E	E
Wind speed:	25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Gusts decreasing to 50 mph in the afternoon.	20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph in the evening. Winds decreasing to 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph after midnight.	10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Gusts decreasing to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall:	O in.	O in.	O in.