THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 12, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 11, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

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

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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    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
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Improving snowpack stability coming out of the last storm cycle has made triggering an avalanche unlikely at this time on a regional scale. Unlikely is not impossible, especially for the isolated occurrence of a one-off human triggered avalanche somewhere within the forecast area. Use the ideas of normal caution to minimize consequences of the isolated avalanche event. Create a travel plan, stick to your travel plan, carry companion rescue gear, actively look for evidence of instability while on the snow, communicate well within your group, and expose only one person at a time to avalanche terrain.

recent observations
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* Deeply buried facet layers below the recent storm snow continue to gain strength and are now very difficult to collapse. In some locations, some snowpit tests indicate that these layers retain the ability to propagate. Monitoring of these layers remains prudent up to the next new snow loading event.

* The previously unsupportable upper snowpack has become supportable in most areas.

* Recently formed wind slabs on the snow surface appear to have bonded well to the upper snowpack.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Quiet weather continues for today with high level cloud cover and light to moderate speed ridgetop winds. Tomorrow is expected to have increased cloud cover and very light snow showers over the southern portion of the forecast area. 

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 25 to 33 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 30 to 34 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: S
Average ridgetop wind speed: 22 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 38 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 46 to 54 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 36 to 42. deg. F. 22 to 27. deg. F. 33 to 38. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Friday Friday Night Saturday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Mostly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Temperatures: 35 to 41. deg. F. 20 to 25. deg. F. 29 to 34. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southeast 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Southeast 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph. East winds 10 to 20 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts.
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