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
12/13/2019 - 05:00
Avalanche Observation 		The Grill (aka Toms Valley)
Independence Lake Area 		A mix of recent loose wet avalanches and day or two old wind slab avalanches. Pit location, open below treeline terrain. Forecaster
12/11/2019 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Winnemucca Lake
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
12/11/2019 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Incline Lake Peak
Mount Rose Area 		refilled skin track wind transport and building cornices minor cracking in wind slabs Professional Observer
12/11/2019 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Stevens Peak
Carson Pass Area 		E side of Stevens Pk showing wind scouring and deposition zones. Recent enhancement of wind sculpted features. Sastrugi on low angle leeward side of ridge. Approaching treeline, the existing skin track we were following became drifted in. Typical of the small, up to 4 inch thick, new wind slabs we saw in the area. Forecaster
12/10/2019 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Becker Ridge
Echo Summit Area 		Trees holding snow and receiving afternoon sun were melting rapidly. Shaded areas were still holding onto cold wintery snow. In open areas up to high point of 8000 feet, Surface Hoar was widespread. Several noticeable rain crusts were observed, but no weak layers stood out. Professional Observer
12/10/2019 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Basin Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Ridgetop blowing snow at 2 pm. Ridgetop blowing snow at noon. Large surface hoar up to 2 cm in Round Valley, nil aspect at about 7,850' Forecaster
12/10/2019 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		NE face of Judah Public
12/10/2019 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Thopson Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Wind scouring on surface. 2-3cm breakable crust. Educator
Lake Tahoe Community College - Wilderness Educati
12/09/2019 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Waterhouse
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Public
12/09/2019 - 13:00
Avalanche Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Crowns on NE Face Castle Peak Annotated graupel Professional Observer
12/09/2019 - 12:30
Avalanche Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Pit at 8800 feet near pin drop location. Small wind features broke easily. Reverse skin track showing extent of recent wind scouring. Exposed upper ridges showed evidence of recent winds. Recent natural avalanche. Large 6mm Surface Hoard widely visible below 8200 feet in this area. Professional Observer
12/09/2019 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Forestdale Creek
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
12/09/2019 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Castle/Basin Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Human triggered avalanche. 200' wide. 12/9 photo The failure layer appears to be buried surface hoar. 12/9 photo SAC Forecaster standing at burial location. 2 main debris paths. 12/10 photo 200' wide, 1-2' deep, failing on a covex rollover. 12/10 photo Mid slope crown. 12/10 photo Looking downslope at the terrain. Debris visible below. 12/10 photo Large shooting cracks out into less steep terrain. 12/10 photo Hole from full burial excavation. 12/10 photo Forecaster
12/09/2019 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		The line in photo pointed to is buried surface hoar. 4-6mm buried surface hoar down 1.5' Previous cornice failure and wind slab avalanches Plenty of soft snow available for transport along ridges if winds increase tomorrow. Forecaster
12/09/2019 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Jake's Peak
West Shore Area 		Public

Pages