The National Weather Service reported an avalanche watch at 8:20 a.m. on Sunday in effect until Tuesday, Mar. 18 at 4 a.m. for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

The NWS Reno NV states to prepare for, “HIGH avalanche danger could occur in the backcountry from Sunday evening through Monday.”

“A powerful storm with rapidly accumulating snowfall and strong winds may cause widespread avalanche activity in the mountains. Large avalanches capable of burying or injuring people could occur in backcountry areas,” according to the NWS.

How to stay safe according to the NWS

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
Get the gear and learn how to use it

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.