THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON January 7, 2020 @ 6:54 am
Avalanche Forecast published on January 6, 2020 @ 6:54 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger will continue throughout the forecast area with avalanches unlikely today.  Normal caution is advised when traveling in the backcountry.

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
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
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    Very Large
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    Small

Avalanche activity will remain unlikely today throughout the forecast region.  Recent strong winds have left scoured surfaces, hard slabs, and small wind slabs in near and above treeline areas.  Wind slabs have gained strength over the last week with few signs of instability and limited snow available for additional wind transport. 

A rain event on Jan. 1 has left a rain crust up to around 9000'.  This rain crust and other wind scoured areas could exist that pose travel concerns with sliding falls possible in steep terrain. 

Sunny skies are forecasted today with increasing temperatures and decreasing winds.  Snow surface warming is expected on southerly aspects.  Small loose wet avalanche activity in the form of roller balls and pinwheels are possible today.  These are expected to remain small in size and located on southerly aspects, in low to mid elevation areas, and in terrain around rocks, gullies, and trees.   

Normal caution is advised when traveling in the backcountry.  Have a travel plan, travel one at a time through avalanche terrain, and communicate effectively within your group.

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations came in from Castle Peak and Mt. Judah (Donner Summit area) and Slide Mountain (Mt. Rose area) yesterday.  Variable snow surface conditions existed at all locations with an assortment of wind scoured surfaces and crusts.  Southerly aspects had limited warming into the midday, with cold temperatures and increasing clouds in the afternoon.

A small amount of graupel that fell on Saturday night was found in the Donner Summit area.  Surface hoar was found at all locations.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Sunny skies with warming temperatures and decreasing winds are expected for today and into Tuesday.  Winds will start to increase on Tuesday ahead of a small storm late Tuesday night into Wednesday.  A dusting of new snow up to 2'' is possible along the Sierra Crest.  Another storm is expected late Wednesday and Thursday.  A more active weather pattern could begin developing with cooling temperatures into next week.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 24 to 30 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 27 to 32 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW shifting to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 20 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 48 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 42 to 45 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 38 to 43. deg. F. 14 to 19. deg. F. 40 to 45. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 34 to 39. deg. F. 15 to 20. deg. F. 36 to 41. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the morning becoming light. Light winds. Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph increasing to 45 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. 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