12/07/2009

The winter storm over the weekend produced unusually cold temperatures and significant snowfall. These conditions, primarily the low water density snow that has fallen, lead toward a significant increase in avalanche danger in the higher elevations, specifically on NW-N-NE facing slopes. Areas along ridge tops that received a high wind loading of snow are also subject to high risk of avalanche.

Later this week, more significant precipitation is forecasted for Plumas County.  Early indications are that these storms will bring significant snowfall to our area with a much higher water density. If this occurs, the combined snow conditions from the two storms will likely produce high, if not extreme, avalanche conditions for the  higher locations of the county through next week.

Everyone, especially snowmobilers, are encouraged to use extra caution while in the back country until the snowpack has time to settle into a more stable mass.

More information regarding current conditions, hazards and avalanche forecasts   can be found at: Sierraavalanchecenter.org