AVALANCHE HAZARD ADVISORY DOWNGRADED TO CONSIDERABLE BY WASHOE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR CRYSTAL BAY & THIRD CREEK INCLINE VILLAGE, NV, DECEMBER 28, 2021 at 1545
The following is a slope-specific avalanche danger forecast for the avalanche terrain above Lakeview Ave, Tuscarora Rd, and Teresa Ct in Crystal Bay, Nevada; and the terrain above upper Jennifer St, Sutro, Bidwell, Lunar, and Mercury Courts in the Third Creek drainage (below Rose Knob Peak and environs) in Incline Village, Nevada. This danger forecast is intended for use by residents and motorists and may differ considerably from the general backcountry avalanche forecast. This forecast is not intended as a resource or risk management tool for backcountry travelers. Backcountry travelers are strongly advised to refrain from any activity on or around these slopes. Activity on these slopes could subject residents, motorists, and infrastructure below to serious danger. Avalanche information for Lake Tahoe backcountry travelers can be found at sierraavalanchecenter.org.
Crystal Bay
3-CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER
Additional snowfall overnight (~10 cm) with WSW winds have added to the loading of the upper elevation slopes. Daytime winds have decreased a bit, but mostly cloudy skies, cool air temperatures (Tmax = -4° C), and light snowfall have kept snow strengthening to a minimum. Cornices at the ridge crest remain large and fragile; a cornice break could easily trigger sizeable wind slabs below. Large avalanches are still possible and may have the energy to reach neighborhood streets below.
Light snowfall is forecasted to continue tonight and tomorrow.
It is advised to refrain from any outdoor activity on, under, or around the steep snow-covered terrain in Crystal Bay. Additional avalanche advisories will be issued in the next several days.
Third Creek
3- CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER
Avalanche danger is forecast to be CONSIDERABLE in the upper and mid-track watershed; avalanche size and speed can be significant. The bottom of many of these avalanche paths terminate in steep-sided and confining terrain that concentrates the forces of flowing snow. This is dangerous avalanche terrain that presents substantial risk.
Residents and motorists are advised to refrain from all outdoor activities in these areas. Residents who remain in the neighborhoods risk exposure to avalanche. For immediate emergency shelter needs, please contact the American Red Cross Disaster Services hotline at 800-733-2767.
North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale
1-Low Avalanche Danger
Generally, safe avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanche release is unlikely. Any avalanche that does release will not have the size or speed to impact residents or roads.
2-Moderate Avalanche Danger
Heightened avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanche release is unlikely. However, small changes in snowpack strength or stress could lead to avalanche release. It is unlikely these avalanches could impact residents or roads.
3-Considerable Avalanche Danger
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanche release is possible. Any avalanche released will have the potential to impact residents and roads. These avalanches can cause serious injury or death and property damage.
4-High Avalanche Danger
Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanche release is likely. These avalanches will impact residents and roads and may be large and destructive. These avalanches can cause serious injury or death and property damage.
Citizens can register for reverse telephone notification, called Code Red, as well as other notifications concerning alerts.
To sign up for Code Red: https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/RegionalAlerts.php
View Snow Safety Tips: https://www.washoecounty.gov/.../Snow%20Safety...