THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 14, 2014 @ 6:52 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 13, 2014 @ 6:52 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

This morning the avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. As the day warms up loose wet snow instabilities will become possible and areas of MODERATE avalanche danger will form on the E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. The southerly aspects will be the most suspect.

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
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Temperatures in the mid to upper 40's above 7000 ft, strong March sunshine, and deceasing winds will allow more melting to occur in the snowpack today. This melting could generate enough wet surface snow for loose wet snow instabilities to form on the sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. The majority of wet snow instabilities that do occur today should remain limited to small roller balls, pinwheels, and small loose wet snow slides. However, a few isolated wet snow instabilities could entrain enough snow to cause problems for backcountry travelers. Wet slabs remain unlikely, but a small isolated wet slab is not impossible. Areas where Monday's snow still exists on sun-exposed slopes represent the best places to find these larger wet snow instabilities. 

recent observations
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Yesterday on Mt. Judah the strong east and northeast winds kept the snow surface mostly frozen on all aspects with minor surface melting only occurring on sunny below treeline southerly aspects sheltered from those cold strong winds. Even though the winds remained strong very little snow transport occurred due to a lack of snow on the windward aspects. Wind loading caused by the strong E and NE winds remained very limited and any deposits remained shallow and small. Observations did not reveal any signs of instability concerning old or new wind slabs. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The east winds started to decrease last night and should continue to dissipate today as a high pressure ridge settles over the region. This ridge will bring warm temperatures, light winds, and clear sunny skies to the area. The forecast calls for daytime highs above 7000 ft. to reach the mid to upper 40's both today and tomorrow. Some slightly increased winds and patches of cloud cover may move into the area tomorrow as a weak low pressure moves through the Pacific Northwest.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 23 to 31 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 31 to 38 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: East and northeast
Average ridgetop wind speed: 25-40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 65 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 43 to 54 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny then becoming partly cloudy
Temperatures: 45 to 52 deg. F. 28 to 35 deg. F. 44 to 51 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: East shifting to the west in the afternoon West West
Wind Speed: 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph Light in the evening increasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Sunny Clear Sunny then becoming partly cloudy
Temperatures: 38 to 46 deg. F. 25 to 32 deg. F. 38 to 45 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast shifting to the northwest in the afternoon West West
Wind Speed: 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph in the afternoon 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph after midnight 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
Disclaimer

This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This advisory 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 advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.