Avalanche warning active for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area until early Friday morning

"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."

"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"

"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."

An avalanche warning is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe area with high backcountry avalanche danger and expected large avalanches. Rapid snowfall, weak layers in the snowpack, and gale-force winds creating drifting snow have produced dangerous conditions where natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Residents and visitors can register for TahoeAlerts for notifications. Avalanches require three factors: steep slope, unstable snowpack, and a trigger such as a person, new snow, or wind. Check local avalanche advisories, determine slope stability, carry and practice with a transceiver, shovel, and probe, and act quickly since survival drops after about 15 minutes.

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