Avalanches possible at Lake Tahoe, Sierra region following recent storms
While many skiers, snowboarders and winter recreation enthusiasts are excited about the recent dumping of snow across the Sierra, one draw back is the increased potential for avalanche.
There is considerable avalanche danger above and near the treeline, and moderate avalanche danger below the treeline.
According to the Sierra Avalanche Center’s Andy Anderson, people would be likely to trigger large avalanches Wednesday in places where wind-blown snow has piled up.
“Unstable snow may also exist on steep slopes in sheltered areas,” Anderson wrote. “Watch out for signs of unstable snow like recent avalanches, blowing snow, and cracking snow, and move to gentler terrain if there is any doubt about the snow's stability.”
The winds and snowfall are decreasing Wednesday morning as the latest storm winds down.
“It left feet of new snow in the mountains,” Anderson wrote. “Another weaker system follows close on the heels of this storm.”
Expect SW winds to increase again Wednesday afternoon with more snow to follow and continue through midnight.
Another 5 to 10 inches of new snow could accumulate by Thursday morning, adding to the 1-2 feet some of the resorts have reported receiving in the last 24 hours.
“The forecast also calls for snow levels to rise to around 7,000 feet this afternoon, so some areas below that elevation could see rain,” Anderson wrote. “The region should get a short break in the weather for Thursday before more storms impact the area Friday through Monday.”
Check-in with the Reno National Weather Service for more details.
To learn more about avalanche danger, please visit the Sierra Avalanche Center.