0430 temp. at 6350′ in Carnelian Bay: 15.2 deg. & 94% RH

~ 2″ new snow

0515 temp. at 8650′ Tamarack TH: 4 deg.

6-8″ new 48 hr. snow

Backcountry obs.:

Despite last week’s warmup even at the highest elevations, the recent trough of low pressure and successive waves have left the Tamarack backcountry covered in 6-8″ of cold, blower powder resting atop a firm suncrust. The past two days have been cold and unsettled with heavy convective showers popping up each afternoon, adding fresh snow to the mountains. Yesterday afternoon a few cells dropped 1-2″ of cold snow in 15 minutes around North Lake Tahoe.

The result this morning was brilliant, cold pow under mainly clear skies and light winds that skied beautifully. Some wind effect and settling had thickened the new snow such that turning into the crusty bed layer beneath was a nearly nonexistent concern on the highest reaches of above treeline bowls and chutes. Only at the bottom of each run was the crust from last week’s warmth evident. What a way to bid farewell to the many excellent powder filled dawn patrols of 2024!

Expect crusts to begin forming today as the new snow warms, especially on solar aspects, and begins transitioning to spring snow by the middle of the week. Corn takes time, so it may be until the middle to end of the week before many areas host a plentiful corn bounty if conditions (warm sunny days, refreezing, clear nights) align and hold.

Weather and forecast thoughts:

Last night was likely the coldest night of the spring and possibly the last very cold night of the season. Starting today, temps. begin moderating under sunny skies with highs reaching the upper 30s around the lake, 20s in the backcountry. Tonight will once again be cold – but not as bone chilling as last night – leading into a few more degrees of warming and sunshine for tomorrow. A weak disturbance wanders into the northern Sierra tomorrow afternoon, which could kick off a stray snow shower or two along the Crest, but mainly north of Tahoe.

Spring returns on Mon. as sunny skies and warmer temps take hold. Highs by the middle of the week will reach well into the 50s, even flirting with 60 by the end of the week, under mainly clear skies. Nights will cool off, but towards the end of the week don’t appear to offer solid refreezes – maybe just modest surface refreezes in open areas. If things don’t get too warm, this could be a prime spring skiing window, especially around the middle to end of the week as recent snows need time to melt and freeze to form corn.

Models for next weekend are mixed with quite a few showing a trough of low pressure coming into the PacNW, and possibly dropping a weak cold front into the Sierra. This may cool off high temps 5-10 degrees, increase SW winds, and maybe bring in a few more clouds.

Spring looks to continue further out with no major storms or significant cool downs on the horizon. The focus now shifts to monitoring the daily melt/freeze conditions to see if Tahoe gets a good corn season.

The tide has turned and the snowpack will quickly begin dwindling at middle elevations and even higher as the days warm and lengthen. Spring can bring late season storms in April and May, but with the accelerating melt ahead, this morning was likely last call for Tahoe backcountry powder in 2024.