THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 7, 2020 @ 6:56 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 6, 2020 @ 6:56 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Some minor amounts of drifting snow may occur but avalanches remain unlikely. Normal caution is advised. LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations.

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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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Even though ridgetop winds are increasing, only minor amounts of blowing and drifting snow are expected at best. Any areas where drifting snow is deposited are expected to be too small to create problematic wind slabs. The exception is maybe in extreme terrain where a tiny wind slab knocks you off your feet and results in a tumble into the rocks.

The more realistic hazard today is the shallow snowpack which has an increasing number of rocks, logs, and other obstacles emerging from or residing just below the snow surface. Slow down and travel with caution. There is a long list of reasons not to get hurt right now.

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For the most part, a usable 1-2 foot deep supportable snowpack exists along the Sierra Crest above 7000' in the northern portion of the forecast area, above 8000' in the southern portion of the forecast area, and above 8600' in the Mt. Rose area. Variable snow conditions exist just about everywhere. Expect wind scoured areas and/or bare ground in open near and above treeline terrain. Southerly aspects are a mix of bare ground and melt-freeze snow depending on wind protection. Northerly aspects at and below treeline hold the most snow. The faceting process continues on these northerly aspects with clear skies, cold nights, and low sun angles. Weak loose grain faceted snow is most apparent near the surface on wind protected northerly aspects. Ongoing snowpack monitoring remains focused on snowcover distribution and weak layer development in the existing snowpack as faceting continues and structural changes occur to the existing snow crystals.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

A weather system will pass by to the north, east, and eventually south of the forecast area today and tomorrow. Ridgetop winds increased out of the SW yesterday afternoon and continue this morning. Wind speeds have been strongest over the Sierra Crest in the northern half of the forecast area thus far. As the weather system passes around our area, clocking winds are forecast to shift from W to the N, to the NE, and finally E by tomorrow morning. Ridgetop wind speeds are forecast to become strong tonight and gale force tomorrow. There is a very slight chance of a dusting of new snow over the far SE portion of the forecast area tonight or tomorrow. High pressure rebuilds on Tuesday for light winds and warming air temperatures.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 28 to 36 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 40 to 45 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 21 to 35 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 40 to 62 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 14 to 17 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear then becoming partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures: 39 to 44. deg. F. 19 to 25. deg. F. 34 to 39. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: West 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the morning. Light winds becoming east around 15 mph with gusts to 35 mph after midnight. East 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.
Expected snowfall: No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none. No accumulation. | SWE = none.
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy then becoming sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 36 to 42. deg. F. 17 to 22. deg. F. 31 to 36. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: West 20 to 35 mph. Gusts up to 60 mph decreasing to 45 mph in the afternoon. North 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph shifting to the northeast 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph after midnight. East 40 to 60 mph with gusts to 100 mph.
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