THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON December 30, 2015 @ 6:41 am
Avalanche Forecast published on December 29, 2015 @ 6:41 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Avalanche danger is low for all aspects and elevations.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.  Normal caution is advised today-use basic travel techniques to minimize risk.

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
    Very Likely
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A couple additional inches of snow fell across the forecast area over the last 24 hours.  SW winds shifted to the NE yesterday and were in the moderate to strong range making snow transport possible onto SE-S-SW-W aspects.  Any wind slab development in these areas are expected to be small and limited to exposed ridgelines and peaks.  The amount of snow available for transport is limited to the new snow we just received as most wind prone N-NE-E aspects were already scoured by our last, much larger, NE wind event this past weekend.

Normal caution means exercising basic travel techniques.  Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain, regroup in safe spots out of the avalanche path, avoid travel near terrain traps, and practice good communication within your group.

 

recent observations
Submit Observations

Observations over the last couple days show a uniform layered snowpack developing throughout the forecast area.  Up to 2'' of new snow was reported yesterday on Trimmer Peak throughout the day.  In protected terrain near treeline and below, this new snow sits on around 1' of unconsolidated surface snow.  In more exposed, wind prone areas that have seen scouring from the recent NE winds over this past weekend, this snow sits on firmer wind compacted snow or the 12/24 rain crust.  No wind transport was observed yesterday on Trimmer Peak with snowpack tests and informal observations showing no signs of instabilities. 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

The low pressure system yesterday brought around 2'' of new snow to the forecast area.  Winds began to shift to the NE yesterday mid day and increased to the strong range into the evening.  This system exits our area this morning with the possibility of some lingering snow showers.  Winds are expected to shift towards the NW today and be in the 20 to 30mph range with temps in the high teens to low 20s.  This NW flow continues through Wednesday with gusty winds and below average 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: 12 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 23 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: NE
Average ridgetop wind speed: 25 to 35 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 62 mph
New snowfall: 2 inches
Total snow depth: 48 to 60 inches
Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Occasional flurries throughout the morning. Partly cloudy then becoming mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 21 to 28 deg. F. 9 to 19 deg. F. 22 to 29 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: W W NW
Wind Speed: 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph. 15 to 20mph with gusts to 30mph. 15 to 20mph with gusts to 30mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Occasional flurries in the morning. Clear then becoming mostly cloudy. Mostly cloudy.
Temperatures: 19 to 26 deg. F. 9 to 16 deg. F. 19 to 26 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: NW NW NW
Wind Speed: 20 to 30mph with gusts to 40mph. 25 to 35mph with gusts to 50mph. 25 to 35mph. Gusts to 55mph decreasing to 45mph in the afternoon.
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.