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
04/30/2021 - 13:20 Red lake peak Carson Pass Area Avalanche Observation Patchy snow coverage starting at around 8000’ where we transitioned from hiking to skinning Widespread roller ball and point release activity in NE bowl Threw a small snow ball that result in a large loose/wet slide on a roughly 35 degree start zone Public
04/28/2021 - 12:00 Donner Peak Donner Summit Area Avalanche Observation Guide
Tahoe Mountain School
04/26/2021 - 13:55 Stevens Peak Carson Pass Area Avalanche Observation Public
04/17/2021 - 11:00 Mt. Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Rough snow surface conditions on the E face of Mt. Judah. Isolated small pockets of recent storm snow that had yet to undergo melt were encountered on the approach. 2-3 inches of of surface wet snow on top of supportable crust mid slope (~8,000') on E aspect terrain at 11 am. Rough snow surface conditions on the south side of Mt. Judah. Forecaster
04/16/2021 - 12:00 Rubicon Peak West Shore Area Snowpack Observation Small skier triggered roller balls on an E facing slope near the summit of Rubicon Peak Breakable crust on top of still dry storm snow on top of the old mel-freeze crust on a N aspect at 8700 ft on Rubicon Peak Clouds starting to build on the horizon at noon. Patchy snow coverage on a N aspect at 7500 ft. Forecaster
04/16/2021 - 10:00 Black Butte Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Consistent results on test slopes at the very shallow new/old interface Consistent results on test slopes at the very shallow new/old interface Consistent results on test slopes at the very shallow new/old interface Doggie initiated roller balls Melting snowpack on an E aspect at 8500ft Cloud cover building over Red Lake and Stevens Peaks. Patch skiing season on their S and W aspects Professional Observer
04/15/2021 - 11:15 Andesite Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Small rollerballs and pinwheels made of the storm snow on an E aspect on Andesite Peak Less than an inch of recent snow on top of older melt/freeze layers Small, shallow wind drifted snow on a W aspect near the summit of Andesite Signs of wind NE wind scouring Snow coverage on the SW and W aspects on Castle Peak Breakable crusts were widespread on Andesite in the morning. Forecaster
04/14/2021 - 16:30 Tamarack Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Breakable sun crust had formed on all but the shaded true N aspects by 4 pm. Signs of NE wind scouring and SW wind loading/cornice building on the ridges. NE wind scouring on a NE facing slope near 9800 ft. NE wind drifted snow on a SW aspect at 9800 ft. This drift did not extend very far away from the ridge. Runnels indicating melting and drainage in the new snow by the afternoon. Forecaster
04/14/2021 - 15:00 Elephant's Hump Area Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Public
04/14/2021 - 13:17 Elelphant's Back Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Snow storm @ 12:30 with S-1 snowfall. Grapuel on surface of new snow. 2-3" of new snow @ 8500' No new build up on cornices. Poor bonding of new/old snow interface. New snow sloughing off old snow interface. Hand pit showing no slab properties and poor bonding at interface. Clumping snow on skis. Professional Observer
04/14/2021 - 13:00 Tamarack Peak Mount Rose Area Avalanche Observation Public
04/13/2021 - 11:00 Mt. Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Cloud buildup to the E at 10am. Firm snow conditions on most all aspects. Soft snow on wind protected E aspects by late morning in open BTL terrain Clouds starting to build to the E over Mt. Rose at 9am Forecaster
04/12/2021 - 13:08 Tragedy Springs Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation 1-2" foot pen on E-SE @ 11:30. Dirty snow, loose debris, and rocks in the common riding routes starting to show. Ski pen within the flats @ 8400' around 1430. 10-12" of supportable crust on a sunny slope. Shovel is at the bottom of crust Soft snow observed near rocks Cumulus clouds built throughout the day but never quite developed into thunder heads. Note the highly textured snow surface Professional Observer
04/12/2021 - 11:00 Mt. Houghton Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation View south towards Relay Peak 2'' of soft corn snow on top of a supportable 6''+ MF crust Some N aspects have transitioned to M/F conditions Other N aspects above 9000' are still full cold winter snow Forecaster
04/11/2021 - 22:00 Relay peak, Tamarack Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation View of Relay Peak. Still adequate coverage along Relay Ridge. Boot-sole penetration in a semi-frozen crust, around 8:45 AM Still some loose, cold unconsolidated snow in isolated shaded areas on north-ish facing aspects. Public

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