THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 2, 2020 @ 6:50 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 1, 2020 @ 6:50 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues across the forecast region with no avalanche activity expected.  Early season conditions exist, 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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Early season conditions continue with many obstacles such as rocks, bushes, logs, etc, that are exposed or barely buried under the thin snowpack.  The snowpack is mostly supportable which does provide useable conditions for over the snow recreation.  Recent strong winds have scoured many exposed areas leaving soft unconsolidated snow limited to wind protected northerly terrain.  Strong E winds forecasted for today at the higher elevations are expected to have limited snow transport, although some light blowing snow may occur.  Practice normal caution by having a travel plan, carrying avalanche rescue gear, and effectively communicating with your group.     

recent observations
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1-2 feet of supportable snowpack exists above 8600' in the Mt. Rose area, above 7000' along the northern Sierra Crest, and 8000' along the southern Sierra Crest.  Variable snow conditions are found with recent E wind scouring in open near and above treeline areas.  The faceting process continues with clear skies, cold nights, and low sun angles.  This is most apparent near the surface of the snowpack with near surface facets existing on wind protected northerly aspects.  These near surface facets along with some slightly buried surface hoar will have to be monitored and could present a future problem when we get our next storm cycle.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Sunny skies continue today with gusty NE/E winds along the Sierra Crest with lighter winds at lower elevations.  The strongest ridge gusts along the Sierra Crest could reach 40-60mph.  High pressure will strengthen on Wednesday with lighter winds, warmer temperatures, and no chances of precipitation.  Ridging will continue through the week with no storms in sight.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 32 to 37 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 39 to 42 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW shifting to NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 15 to 25 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 49 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 15 to 18 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 38 to 44. deg. F. 23 to 29. deg. F. 41 to 47. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. Light winds. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 36 to 42. deg. F. 23 to 28. deg. F. 37 to 43. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: East around 15 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph decreasing to 25 mph in the afternoon. East around 15 mph in the evening becoming light. Gusts up to 25 mph. Light winds.
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