On Thursday at 4:59 a.m. the National Weather Service reported an avalanche warning in effect until Friday Feb. 20, at 5 a.m. for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area.
The NWS Reno NV states to prepare for, “HIGH avalanche danger exists in the backcountry. Large avalanches are expected across backcountry terrain.”
“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,” the NWS said.
TahoeAlerts offers a one-stop alert notification registration for residents and visitors throughout the Tahoe region. To receive alerts, visit the TahoeAlerts website.
How to stay safe according to the NWS
Know the three factors required for an avalanche:
- Slope: Avalanche generally occur on slopes steeper than 30 degrees
- Snowpack: Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and “whumpfing” are signs of unstable snow
- Trigger: Sometimes it doesn’t take much to tip the balance; people, new snow, and wind are common triggers
Determine if you are on or below slopes that can avalanche:
- Find out if the snow is stable
- Get the advisory: Refer to your local avalanche center for current snowpack conditions
- Get the gear and learn how to use it
Have these three avalanche safety essentials in your pack:
- Transceiver: So you can be found if covered by the snow
- Shovel: So you can dig out your partner
- Probe: So you can locate someone who has been covered by the snow
Avalanche survival rates plummet after about 15 minutes for victims who do not die from trauma. Saving your partner is up to you! Practicing realistic scenarios beforehand is essential.
For more weather alerts in the Tahoe area, visit Weather Advisories