New forecast tool available for Sierra backcountry travelers

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has announced the release of a new tool for those who enjoy backcountry travel in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Since weather patterns in the mountains can change quickly, those in the backcountry need to be prepared, and there is now a webpage dedicated to year-round Sierra Nevada travel.

While it was created for avalanches, one they created for the Sierra Avalanche Center to aid with winter snow and avalanche forecast operations, it will now be used through the summer months as well in order to keep travelers in the high Sierra backcountry better informed.

This forecast has two elevation ranges and includes temperature ranges, lightning activity, wind, sky, weather and snow forecasts. The forecast covers two separate regions, the Lake Tahoe Basin and Mono County.

The backcountry weather page can be seen here: NWS Traveler Guidance.