THIS AVALANCHE FORECAST EXPIRED ON March 16, 2016 @ 6:55 am
Avalanche Forecast published on March 15, 2016 @ 6:55 am
Issued by Steve Reynaud - Tahoe National Forest

Moderate avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to ongoing wind slab problems.  As daytime warming occurs, moderate avalanche danger will also become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations due to loose wet avalanches.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. 

2. Moderate

?

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

2. Moderate

?

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

2. Moderate

?

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: Wind Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Natural and human triggered wind slab avalanches have occurred over the last couple days throughout the forecast area.  Gale force SW winds have built up large wind slabs that are slowly gaining strength.  Most windward slopes are scoured down to firm crusts with little additional snow available for winds to transport.  No additional wind slab development is expected although current wind slabs could still be reactive and human triggering remains possible.

Identify and avoid steep wind loaded terrain. Use clues such as recent avalanche activity, test slope failures, blowing snow, cornice formations, wind pillows, snow surface scouring and shooting cracks to determine where wind slabs exist.

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

As daytime warming occurs, loose wet avalanches will become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  Most of these instabilities should be in the form of roller balls and pinwheels and could be both natural and human triggered.  Depending on how much solar radiation and warming we receive today, some larger loose wet avalanches could become possible that could entrain enough snow to bury or injure a backcountry user.  Wet snow instabilities could also form on NW-N-NE aspects that are in the sun or at lower elevations.

 

 

recent observations
Submit Observations

A boarder triggered wind slab avalanche was reported in the East Gully on Waterhouse Peak yesterday.  The avalanche occurred at 9200' on an East aspect and was 50' wide, ran 200' downslope and was 1' deep.  A cornice collapse was also reported from the Donner Summit area and was skier triggered on a small wind feature.

Observations from Jakes Peak (West Shore area) and Powderhouse Peak (Luther Pass area) showed unstable snowpack test results but very little instability from test slopes and informal observations.  Gale force winds were moving large amounts of snow and scouring windward areas down to firm crusts.  Snow surface conditions were wind affected at all elevations with heavy and grabby snow reported.  Rain crusts were observed up to at least 7000'.

 

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

High pressure begins to build into our area today with dry weather and lighter winds into the weekend.  A warming trend will occur this week with temperatures today in the low to high 40's above 7000'.  Winds will be strong from the West and could gust up to 50mph above 8000'.  High thin clouds are expected today with periods of sun.

CONDITIONS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST BETWEEN 8200 FT. AND 9200 FT. IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
Weather Station Map
Weather Station Table
6am temperature: 17 to 27 deg. F.
Max. temperature: 32 to 38 deg. F.
Average ridgetop wind direction: SW
Average ridgetop wind speed: 30 to 40 mph
Maximum ridgetop wind gust: 87 mph
New snowfall: 0 inches
Total snow depth: 89 to 125 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. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Sunny
Temperatures: 43 to 49 deg. F. 18 to 25 deg. F. 44 to 51 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: W NW
Wind Speed: 15 to 25mph with gusts to 35mph. Northwest 15 to 20mph shifting to the East after midnight. Gusts to 30mph. Light winds.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather: Partly cloudy. Partly cloudy then becoming clear. Sunny
Temperatures: 40 to 46 deg. F. 18 to 25 deg. F. 40 to 47 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: W NW becoming E SE
Wind Speed: 25 to 35mph with gusts to 50mph. Northwest 25 to 30mph with gusts to 45mph becoming East 15 to 20mph with gusts to 30mph after midnight. 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph.
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.

For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (530) 587-3558 x258