THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 24, 2018 @ 6:59 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 23, 2018 @ 6:59 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger will remain LOW today. In the unlikely but not impossible event an avalanche does occur today, it would be a wind slab on an isolated terrain feature. The avalanche danger will increase tomorrow.

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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  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
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    Possible
    Unlikely
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The small amount of new snow expected today should not change the avalanche conditions significantly, and avalanche activity should remain unlikely until the larger storm arrives tomorrow. Some unstable wind slabs could still linger on a few isolated terrain features especially in more complex terrain with steeper slopes, more terrain traps (ie consequences), and more trigger points. A firm icy rain crust exists on the snow surface in many areas along the Sierra Crest. Long sliding falls on this crust would be difficult to stop.

Make a plan that creates safety margins and provides terrain options. This plan could simply be recreating in more sheltered terrain at higher elevations to take advantage of softer snow without the rain crust or the unlikely wind slabs. Continue to manage the group with safe travel techniques like crossing avalanche terrain one at a time and regrouping in safe zones.

recent observations
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* Widespread rain crusts exist on the Sierra Crest. Below 8700 ft this crust is firm and icy. At the upper elevations, this crust becomes breakable and thin. The crust did not exist above 8800 ft. in the Mt. Rose backcountry.

* Observers found small recent wind slabs and older firm wind slabs on Elephants Back and on Tamarack Peak. In both cases some small shallow cracking occurred in the top few inches of the newer wind slabs but no signs of larger instabilities were noted.

* Some potential weak layers still exist near and just below the snow surface.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A small and weak system moving through the area today should bring increased cloud cover and a slight chance for some light snow showers through the night. By tomorrow a larger storm should arrive over the region with more wind and snow. This storm should continue through Christmas and could bring 6 to 15 inches of new snow to the mountains in areas above 7000 ft. For more information check-in with the Reno NWS.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 27 to 35 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 37 to 43 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Southwest
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 52 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 27 to 33 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow through the night. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow and rain. Snow level 6000-6500 feet in the morning increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Temperatures: 37 to 42 deg. F. 25 to 30 deg. F. 36 to 41 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph increasing to 55 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: Up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 80% probability up to 1 inch. 20% probability 1 to 2 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 80% probability of 1 to 4 inches. 20% probability of 4 to 6 inches. | SWE = 0.15-0.25 inch.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow through the night. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow levels 6000-6500 feet in the morning increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 75%.
Temperatures: 34 to 39 deg. F. 23 to 28 deg. F. 33 to 38 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph increasing to 55 mph in the afternoon. West 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 65 mph. West 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph shifting to the southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 75 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: Up to 1 inch. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 80% probability up to 1 inch. 20% probability 1 to 2 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 80% probability of 1 to 4 inches. 20% probability of 4 to 7 inches. | SWE = up to 0.40 inch.
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