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These observations document past conditions at a small and variable scale. They are not too 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 Region Observation Type Photos Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos Snowpit videos (tests, etc) Observation made by
02/24/2021 - 23:00 Ophir Creek Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Unconsolidated recent storm snow, unaffected by melt on heavily shaded N aspect below treeline. We affected snow surface on open near treeline N aspect. 1 inch or so of surface melt on steeper S aspect. Minimal surface melt on low angle S aspect. Forecaster
02/24/2021 - 09:00 Schallenberger Ridge Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Scoured areas near the ridgeline with exposed firm rain crusts. Firm melt freeze conditions on southerly aspects. The crust sandwich near the surface. Graupel on top of a rain crust about 1-3 inches below the surface. Small roller balls on a steep slope under some rocks from previous warming. Forecaster
02/24/2021 (All day) Charity Valley Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
02/23/2021 - 23:30 Talking Mtn Echo Summit Area Snowpack Observation Evidence of recent NE winds redistributing snow along ridgetops. Evidence of recent NE winds redistributing snow along ridgetops. Two inches of surface melt over supportable crust on S aspect approach at about 8,500' around 10:45 am. Still unconsolidated surface snow on shaded N aspect terrain below treeline. Evidence on NE wind redistribution on N aspect below treeline opening around 7,800. This was on the bottom third of the slope, well below the ridgetop. Forecaster
02/23/2021 - 13:00 Freel Peak Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
02/23/2021 - 10:30 N shoulder Rose Knob Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Guide
Donner Summit Avalanche Seminars
02/22/2021 - 11:30 Johnson Canyon Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Public
02/22/2021 - 11:00 Slab Cliffs Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Recent NE wind scouring in exposed terrain at 9600'. Forecaster
02/21/2021 - 12:30 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Some wind scouring on the E ridge from overnight NE winds revealing the firm rain crust. Mostly smooth conditions off of ridge with 4'' of recent storm snow. Guide
Tahoe Mountain School
02/21/2021 - 12:08 Andesite Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Public
02/21/2021 - 12:00 Bronco Chutes Mount Rose Area Avalanche Observation Public
02/21/2021 - 12:00 Polaris Bowl and Upper Blue Lakes Carson Pass Area Avalanche Observation Public
02/21/2021 - 12:00 Talking Mountain Echo Summit Area Snowpack Observation Little cohesive snow on a small cornice Significant evidence of recent rime on trees near the Talking Mt. ridge. Looking back Ralston and there was evidence of recent avalanche activity in the bowl to the south of the peak, possibly with cornice break as the trigger. Some surface hoar along the tour both on the Talking ridge and here on the north east side of Flagpole in the early afternoon. There had been significant previous loose wet slides on the NE side of Flagpole. Professional Observer
02/21/2021 - 12:00 Deep Creek Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Graupel from beneath the Feb. 20 storm snow 2-3mm surface hoar on top of the Deep Creek ridgeline, around 7800' surface texture evidence of northerly winds late on Feb. 20 Guide
Alpenglow Expeditions
02/21/2021 - 10:30 Lincoln Ridge Yuba Pass Area Snowpack Observation Wind scoured areas with exposed rain crust on the ridge. Surface hoar in open sheltered areas in the morning. Ice coated trees from the recent freezing rain event. Small signs of settlement around some trees. Looking at how the snow is changing around the recent rain crusts Forecaster

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