Avalanche Information

Washoe County focuses on two avalanche-prone areas: Crystal Bay and Third Creek. Both areas are in the northern Tahoe basin. As information becomes available it will be posted below. 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 www.sierraavalanchecenter.org.

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.
5-Extreme Avalanche Danger
Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanche release is certain. These avalanches will impact residences and roads and may be very 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, click on the “Regional Notification” link on the menu and follow the instructions.

 

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