A powerful winter storm continues today with several feet of snow and high wind. Unstable snow and naturally triggered avalanches are likely today. Large avalanches could run long distances into heavily wooded and flat terrain. Traveling in and around avalanche terrain is not recommended today.
Wind slab avalanches are very likely today. Strong sustained SW wind with gusts over 100 mph were recorded this morning on the Sierra crest. Ongoing intense wind and precipitation amounts will provide fresh and sensitive slabs today.
Rapid loading of the snowpack will create instabilities in the new storm snow. With snowfall rates of several inches an hour, the snow does not have time to bond to itself and can create unstable conditions. Small slopes and slopes in the trees where avalanches do not normally occur could produce avalanches today. Traveling in and around avalanche terrain is not recommended.
The next winter storm has entered the forecast area. Heavy snow and intense wind are expected today through early Wednesday. Snow will spill over down to valley floors, HWY 395, and into Western Nevada. Wind speeds in excess of 100 mph on ridges are expected today. Strong wind could mix down into Sierra valleys today.
