Avalanche Forecast published on November 22, 2017 @ 6:23 am
Issued by Brandon Schwartz - Tahoe National Forest

Early season conditions update #7

A useable snowpack exists above 8000'. The potential exists for loose wet avalanches at all elevations with ongoing above freezing temperatures and light rain possible to 10,000' or higher on Thursday. Normal Caution is appropriate for travel in and around avalanche terrain throughout the forecast area.

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Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
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Above freezing air temperatures are expected both day and night through this week. Light rain is possible up to 10,000' or higher on Thursday.  Surface wet snow is expected on all aspects at all elevations. Some loose wet instabilities may exist ranging from rollers balls to loose wet avalanches.

Wet surface snow might refreeze overnight despite above freezing air temperatures due to radiational cooling. Any refreeze could allow firm rain crusts to form at all elevations on all aspects throughout the forecast area. This could pose significant travel hazards in the form of difficult traction and long sliding falls.

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-Above 8,000', a usable snowpack ranging from 2 to 3+ feet deep exists throughout the forecast area.  Below 7,200' to 7,800', the snowpack is shallow with a minimal amount of usable snow.  Bare ground exists in most areas below 7,000'.

-Snowpit data is no longer showing evidence of continued instability from the Nov 16 Deep Slab avalanche cycle.

-Rain on snow event Nov 20 deposited a few tenths of an inch of rain on the snowpack up to around 10,500'-11,000'.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Well above freezing air temperatures expected around the clock for the rest of this week. Light rain possible to 10,000' to 11,500' on Thursday. Next storm expected to impact the region Saturday/Sunday.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies, becoming mostly cloudy. Partly cloudy, becoming mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Snow level 10,000' to 11,500'
Temperatures: 56 to 61 deg. F. 37 to 42 deg. F. 52 to 58 deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: S to SW S SW
Wind Speed: Around 10 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the afternoon. Up to 10 mph. Gusts to 25 mph in the evening. Light winds increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 0 0
For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.
Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. Partly cloudy skies, becoming mostly cloudy. Partly cloudy, becoming mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Snow level 10,000' to 11,500'
Temperatures: 52 to 58 deg. F. 36 to 41 deg. F. 47 to 53 deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: S S SW
Wind Speed: 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 50 mph 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph in the evening. 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 65 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.

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