Avalanche
The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee, California, has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area, effective through Sunday morning.
“A natural avalanche cycle is expected today. Avalanches large enough to bury people, possibly large enough to break trees, are likely in a variety of backcountry areas. Travel in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended.”
– Sierra Avalanche Center forecast
The warning cites high avalanche danger in the backcountry due to the intensifying winter storm. Heavy snowfall combined with strong winds is expected to create unstable snow conditions both above and below treeline. In the last 48 hours, Palisades Tahoe resort has seen 26″ of fresh snow.
- Related: SnowBrains Podcast Ep. 73 | Dr. Ethan Greene – Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Avalanche Warning U.S. Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center Relayed by National Weather Service Reno NV 535 AM PST Sat Dec 14 2024 The following message is transmitted at the request of the U.S. Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center. The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Reno NV - NVZ002 (Greater Lake Tahoe)...CAZ072 (Greater Lake Tahoe (CA)) * WHAT...HIGH avalanche danger is expected in the backcountry on Saturday, lasting into early Sunday morning. * WHERE...Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area. This does not include ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation programs exist. * WHEN...In effect from Sat 05:15 PST to Sun 05:15 PST. * IMPACTS...An ongoing winter storm is expected to increase in intensity this morning (Saturday). High intensity snowfall combined with strong winds is expected to produce widespread areas of unstable snow both above and below treeline. Natural avalanches are very likely in the backcountry at this time. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. Travel in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended. Consult https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
Natural avalanches are likely, and the center advises against traveling in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain during this period.
The Sierra Avalanche Center urges people to consult its website or www.avalanche.org for current information before venturing into the backcountry.
