Early Season Conditions Update #2
Ongoing periods of precipitation are expected through the end of the week with several feet of new snow possible over the mid and upper elevations. Early season conditions exist along with some avalanche concerns. Daily avalanche advisories will begin on Nov 29 if the storms materialize as forecast.
Wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain remain the main avalanche problem to look for at this time as new snow combines with strong to gale force SW winds. The main concentration of any new wind slabs will occur on N-NE-E aspects and to a lesser extent on other aspects. Look for and avoid areas of newly drifted snow.
*Recent observations from the Carson Pass, Echo Summit, Donner Pass, and Mount Rose areas all indicate that the snowpack is in good condition to handle new snow loading in the vast majority of areas.
*The existing snowpack is borderline usable along the Sierra Crest above 8,000'. Below 8,000' and along the Carson Range to the east, the snowpack is too thin to be usable.
*In general the snowpack below 9,000' is a mix of rain crust and wet grains. Above 9,000' areas of dry snow exist with some amount of upside down layering structure.
