Stage 1 Avalanche Warning issued for Crystal Bay area

A Warning from Washoe County Emergency Management

Stage 1 Avalanche Warning issued for Crystal Bay area

Per the Washoe County Emergency Management avalanche expert, due to weather conditions and forecasted incoming weather conditions, a Stage 1 Avalanche Warning has been issued for the residents of Crystal Bay/Third Creek subdivisions.

Storm and wind slab avalanches are likely, especially human triggered, however due to the relatively new nature of the underlying snow cover they are not predicted to be large enough to directly affect houses or roads. However, all pedestrian activity on and around the avalanche terrain and on Lakeview Ave, Tuscarora Rd, and Teresa Ct should be suspended until at least tomorrow morning.  Over today and tonight another 30 cm (12 inches) of snow is forecasted with somewhat lighter winds.

Evacuation of homes in the specified high avalanche hazard areas is not advised at this time, but may be recommended later as this storm progresses.

If storm continues as anticipated, there may be a potential for avalanche activity affecting the homes and roads in the upper Crystal Bay subdivision including: Upper E. Tuscarora, Teresa Ct., Gochute, Amagosa, N. Pahute, and the Wassou entrance at Highway 28. In the Third Creek area the homes and facilities within and on either side of the Third Creek drainage including: Jennifer, Mercury, Luna and Apollo Cts. could be affected.

Homeowners on these streets should begin to prepare to evacuate or shelter in place for the duration of the storm and potential for 24 hours thereafter.

For backcountry avalanche information, visit the Sierra Avalanche Center website: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory