These observations document past conditions at a small and variable scale. They are not to be confused with an avalanche forecast. They come from a variety of sources. We can only vouch for the quality of those produced by the SAC forecasters and professional observers.
Date and time of observation or avalanche occurrence Location Media Observation made by
11/09/2021 - 15:00

Avalanche Observation
Peak 8620'

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Looking up to crown line Crown and run. Looking downslope, avalanche ran 400'. Cohesive firm snowpack adjacent to avalanche.  P to I hard layering. Wind slab off of ridge with ^ shape propagation Looking South to Barker Peak and Barker Pass Forecaster
04/11/2019 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Blackwood Ridge

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Thick frozen crust on top of wet snow. Scoured icy rain crusts on an E aspect. The crust was boot and ski supportable during our tour and showed no signs of melting as of noon. Cloud cover increased during our tour and light snow started to fall around noon. Forecaster
11/09/2022 - 08:00

Avalanche Observation
Grouse Rock

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
01/15/2019 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Scott Creek

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Professional Observer
01/26/2016 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Stanford Rocks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Forecaster
02/26/2018 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Grouse Rock

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Forecaster
01/10/2016 - 15:00

Avalanche Observation
4th of July Area

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
03/03/2018 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Ellis Peak

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
03/06/2022 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Polaris Point

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
ECTN22 on Feb 14 layer facets. Percolation Tubes showing vertical movement of water through snowpack. 6" wind slab crack on convexity into steep tree well. Roller balls on NW slope near 8,000'. Cornice on Polaris Point, ~8' height. Ski pole point identifying our approach tracks; snow in the morning, dirt in the afternoon. ECTP 23 on the Feb 14 facets Public
12/14/2018 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Twin Peaks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Lenticular clouds and some wind transport along the Sierra Crest near Twin Peaks. ECT test with no fractures from a near treeline line test slope. Small wind pillow with some cracking. The wind slab only extended a few feet downslope. Forecaster
02/28/2015 - 14:30

Snowpack Observation
Grouse Rocks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
, Forecaster
11/18/2020 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Grouse Rock

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho
01/18/2023 - 12:30

Avalanche Observation
Ward Canyon

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
02/26/2014 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Grouse Rocks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Forecaster
12/06/2016 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Ellis Peak

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Forecaster

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