Truckee, California – Backcountry terrain across the greater Lake Tahoe region could become deadly by Monday evening as a powerful winter storm rapidly stacks snow and drives strong winds across the central Sierra.
According to the U.S. Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center, a Backcountry Avalanche Watch remains in effect through 5 a.m. Tuesday for the central Sierra Nevada between Yuba Pass and Ebbetts Pass, including the greater Lake Tahoe area on both the California and Nevada sides. Avalanche danger is expected to rise to HIGH as snowfall rates increase and winds intensify.
Forecasters warn that rapidly accumulating snow combined with ridge gusts exceeding 60 mph will create widespread unstable slabs at mid and upper elevations. Large avalanches capable of burying or injuring people may release naturally, and human-triggered slides will be likely on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. The alert applies only to backcountry areas and does not include ski resorts or highways with active mitigation programs.
Traveling in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended during HIGH danger. Conditions may remain elevated through Tuesday night, and additional advisories could extend into Wednesday if snowfall persists.
