Sierra Avalanche Center | Backcountry Avalanche, Snow, and Weather Information for the greater Lake Tahoe area

The last avalanche forecast for this season will be published on April 18. Thank you to all who have supported this avalanche center through volunteer hours, snowpack/avalanche observations, and financial contributions.

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Recent Observations:

South Side of Castle Peak losing snow quickly

Andesite Peak

04/10/2021 - 14:30

Snowpack Observation

Street shoes would have done just fine today, as boot penetration was never more than 1" until our departure at 11am.

Lots of texture in the snow surface from previous tracks, wind, and early stage sun cupping. Winnemucca Lake had some refrozen meltwater on the surface.

Our sunny descent route still had plenty of snow, but connected options are becoming limited.

Creek banks eroding, but still crossable where we needed to. There were even some geese in this meadow!

Elephant's Back

04/10/2021 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation

Superficial refreeze with punchy conditions in the shade at 10:45am on south aspect

04/09/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation

Mt. Houghton SE/E aspects

Strong refreeze with 6''+ melt freeze crust

Looking south to Relay Peak

Mt. Houghton

04/08/2021 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation

Boot-top deep wet snow on S-SE aspects in wind sheltered areas below treeline at 11:20

Areas of unsupportable wet snow under the tree canopy 10:30

Castle Peak

04/07/2021 - 11:15

Snowpack Observation

Frozen surfaces on ascent.

Trace amounts of snow above 9000'

Old firm wind effected snow

3-4" of loose snow @ 9000' on S-facing aspect.

Round top to Kirkwood

04/06/2021 - 13:22

Snowpack Observation

Strong refreeze of the top 9 inches of the snowpack.

Several inches of wet snow and tiny roller balls but still ski supportable at 11:30 am on S aspect near 9,500'.

04/06/2021 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation

Looking south from Red Lake

Snow coverage on the south side of Red Lake Peak

Wet surface snow just after midday.

Looking north from Carson Pass

South Side Red Lake Peak

04/05/2021 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation

Announcements and News:

Last avalanche forecast for this season.

The last avalanche forecast for this season will be published on April 18. Thank you to all who have supported this avalanche center through volunteer hours, snowpack/avalanche observations, and financial...

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