THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 23, 2015 @ 6:58 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 22, 2015 @ 6:58 am
Issued by Andy Anderson - Tahoe National Forest - Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger should remain LOW for all elevations and aspects today. As new snow and wind arrive over the forecast area tonight and tomorrow the avalanche danger may increase.

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
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Lows near freezing and partly cloudy skies last night should have allowed the wet snow that formed yesterday to refreeze in most places. Some areas where thicker cloud cover existed during the night may have experienced a weaker refreeze. Last night's refreeze combined today's cloudy skies, increased winds, and slightly cooler daytime highs should prevent significant wet snow from forming today.

As new snow and wind impact the forecast area tonight and tomorrow, expect the avalanche danger to change with new winds slabs becoming a possible problem tomorrow depending on the amount of snow that the forecast area receives.

recent observations
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Yesterday on Elephant's Back a few inches of soft corn snow had formed on east aspects by noon. This soft wet surface snow rested on top of a strong and supportable melt-freeze crust. Most of the northerly aspects remained frozen during the day yesterday in the Elephant's Back area, and the SE-S-SW-W aspects held mostly exposed ground with a few isolated patches of snow. Observations and ski cuts did not reveal any signs of loose wet snow instabilities through 2 pm.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The southwest winds and cloud cover should continue to increase today as a cold front approaches the area. By tonight expect ridge top winds in the 50's and 60's with gusts between 75 and 90 mph. The forecast calls for this front and the low pressure system associated with it to move through the region tonight. Along with the colder temperatures, strong southwest winds, and increased cloud cover, this system should also bring some snow to the region. Snow showers could start this afternoon and evening, but most of the precipitation should fall tonight and tomorrow morning. Snow levels should start between 6500 and 7500 ft. north of I-80 and 7500 to 8500 south of I-80 today. As the cold front arrives tonight snow levels should fall to between 5500 and 6500 ft. The forecast calls for up to 4 inches of new snow with a possibility of up to 6 inches in some areas by tomorrow afternoon. Areas north of Hwy 50 should see the most snowfall. The storm should begin to wind down tomorrow afternoon as the system continues eastward.

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 34 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 41 to 47 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: Souhtwest
Average ridgetop wind speed: 25 to 30 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 47 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 16 to 39 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the afternoon Cloudy with a chance of rain and and snow in the evening. Snow likely after midnight Cloudy with a chance of snow showers
Temperatures: 45 to 51 deg. F. 27 to 34 deg. F. 37 to 43 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest Southwest Southwest
Wind Speed: 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the afternoon 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph increasing to 35 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph after midnight 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph decreasing to 40 mph in the afternoon
Expected snowfall: 0 up to 2 up to 2
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon Snow likely Cloudy with a chance of snow showers
Temperatures: 39 to 45 deg. F. 24 to 31 deg. F. 33 to 39 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest Southwest Southwest
Wind Speed: 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph 45 to 55 mph with gusts to 75 mph increasing to 85 mph after midnight 60 to 65 mph with gusts to 90 mph decreasing to 40 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph in the afternoon
Expected snowfall: 0 up to 2 up to 2
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.