Stage 2 Avalanche Warning issued for Crystal Bay area

Washoe County Emergency Management raises alert

Stage 2 Avalanche Warning issued for Crystal Bay area

Per the Washoe County Emergency Management avalanche expert, due to weather conditions and forecasted incoming weather conditions, yesterday’s Stage 1 Avalanche Warning has been elevated to a Stage 2 Avalanche Warning for the residents of Crystal Bay/Third Creek subdivisions.

A Stage 2 warning means that a significant storm has arrived and should it continue, may produce avalanches that could affect homes and facilities in the Crystal Bay/Third Creek areas. No avalanche danger currently exists, however, it may be only a matter of 4 to 6 hours before it does.

Another 30 cm (12 inches) of new snow has fallen in the Crystal Bay area with an additional 15 cm (6 inches) of additional snowfall forecasted over the next 20 hours.  The probability of wind slab, storm slab, and loose dry avalanches large enough to impact residents has increased. All pedestrian activity around the neighborhood should be restricted. The likelihood of human-triggered avalanches is certain should anyone operate on the steep slopes of the area with these very sensitive snowpacks.

Crystal Bay

At this time anyone in or near the Crystal Bay subdivisions should plan to avoid accessing the Upper E. Tuscarora, Teresa Ct., Gochute, Amagosa, N.Pahute and the Wassou entrance at Highway 28 within the next 4 to 6 hours. These streets may be closed should conditions worsen. All residents in Crystal Bay should plan to begin accessing the upper subdivision from the Lakeview and Beowawe entrances.

Third Creek

Pedestrian activity of any kind is not recommended anywhere in the Third Creek area of upper Jennifer St and above. The potential for very large avalanches that can run for many hundreds of vertical feet are a strong possibility this morning. 

The weekend powder skiing is a 32 on a 10 scale and will entice many onto unstable snows today. Recreational skiers pose a significant risk to themselves, their party, and residents below in the Crystal Bay and Third Creek areas.

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