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
04/14/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Stevens Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Small loose wet avalanche intentionally skier triggered at 12pm on NE aspect at 8800' Up to 3-4'' of transitional snow on N-NE aspects. Forecaster
04/14/2018 - 16:45
Avalanche Observation 		Looking at the area below Needle Peak behind Squaw' Shirley Lake
Donner Summit Area 		Slide happened between 15:45 and 16:42 based on two photos I took. Public
04/15/2018 - 09:30
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Increasing cloud cover over the Sierra Crest at 9:30 am. One inche of surface wet snow on ESE aspect at ~8,100' at 9:30 am. Forecaster
04/15/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Still adequate snow coverage for travel at lower elevations but dry patches are growing. Firm surface snow conditions around 9000 feet on north facing slopes at 11:30am. Professional Observer
04/16/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Small wind slab triggered by large cornice drop on a ENE facing test slope at 8040 ft. See video. Small 1 to 4 inch slab triggered on an E facing test slope @ 8040 ft. that had just received a short period of sun-exposure The other side of the small slab triggered on the E facing test slope. New snow and some wind-loading filling in the skin track @ 8160 ft. About 30 cm (1 ft) of new snow resting on top of a moist crust on top of wet snow in a meadow at 7500 ft. Forecaster
04/16/2018 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Carson Pass south near Elephant's Back
Carson Pass Area 		Minimal results kicking on a below tree line test slope. Pretty sastrugi growing into the wind. Steep below tree line features displayed loose dry slide characteristics in response to skier activity. Small wind slab on a convex roll in near tree line terrain. Professional Observer
04/17/2018 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Slab Cliffs
Mount Rose Area 		Loose wet sluff triggered by a ski cut on a steep ENE aspect at 9000 ft. Forecaster
04/18/2018 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon Peak
West Shore Area 		Increasing cloud cover and the approaching storm. Breakable crust was widespread on E-NE-N aspects at all elevations Graupel layer at the base of the recent snow. Forecaster
04/19/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Mix of sun and snow showers over the Sierra Crest. Breakable melt-freeze crust on N aspects. Supportable melt-freeze crust over recent storm snow on ESE aspect @ 8,200'. Forecaster
04/20/2018 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon Peak
West Shore Area 		Human triggered roller ball showing developing instability. N aspect, below treeline, ~7,900', 10 am. Easily skier triggered loose wet avalanche on test slope. E aspect, at treeline, 9,040', 10:40 am. Forecaster
04/20/2018 - 11:30
Avalanche Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Public
04/20/2018 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Small loose wet activity on E aspects at 10:30am at 8000'. Up to 4-6'' of transitional snow on many NW-N-NE aspects. Mostly ski supportable but not boot supportable. Minor wind scouring on N aspects from recent NW winds. Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
04/21/2018 - 09:30
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Poor snow surface refreeze on open E aspect at 7,600'. About 3 inches of weak crust on top of 3 inches of residual storm snow on top of older melt-freeze crust. Residual wet snow in the deeper snowpack. Skier triggered roller balls on mid slope avalanche path on Andesite Peak. NE aspect at 7,900' at 9:15 am. Skier triggered roller balls on the summit of Andesite Peak. NE aspect at 9:45 am. Forecaster
04/21/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		3-5'' of wet surface snow on top of a semi supportable m/f crust at 12:30pm. Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
11/22/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Elephant's Back
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer

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