Weather Alert in California
Avalanche Warning issued February 17 at 5:19AM PST by NWS Reno NV
AREAS AFFECTED: Greater Lake Tahoe Area; Greater Lake Tahoe Area
DESCRIPTION: AVWREV 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 exists in the backcountry. Large avalanches are expected to occur Tuesday, Tuesday night, and into at least early Wednesday morning across backcountry terrain. HIGH avalanche danger might continue through the day on Wednesday. * WHERE...Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Highway 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area. This does not include ski areas or highways where avalanche mitigation programs exist. * WHEN...In effect from Tuesday 5 AM PST to Wednesday 5 AM PST. * IMPACTS...Rapidly accumulating snowfall, weak layers in the existing snowpack, and gale-force winds that blow and drift snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains. Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches large enough to bury or injure people are very likely. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Traveling in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended during HIGH avalanche danger. 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.
INSTRUCTION: N/A
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Weather Topic: What is Snow?
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Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake,
has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure.
Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup
of snow on the ground.
On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt
it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of
sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense
and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.
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Weather Topic: What are Stratus Clouds?
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Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a
lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the
distinguishing features of most clouds.
Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform
look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud.
The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation,
such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form
of a stratus cloud.
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