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
12/01/2018 - 03:15

Snowpack Observation
N Judah trees

Donner Summit Area
Public
12/01/2018 - 07:45

Avalanche Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Public
12/01/2018 - 10:30

Avalanche Observation
Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
Mostly filled in crown line from a small skier triggered wind slab avalanche about 2 hours before we got there. NE aspect, 39 degree slope, 9100 ft. The crown goes from where I am taking the photo to where my partner is standing. Skier triggered shooting cracks resulting from a storm slab instability on an undercut slope. Skier triggered shooting cracks on a wind-loaded test slope. Lots of obstacles below 7500 ft. Forecaster
12/01/2018 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
One of several natural wind slab avalanches on Andesite Peak, E aspect, ~8,100'. Cracking triggered while breaking trail below treeline. Early signs of the instability in the area. The first wind loaded feature we approached at treeline, E aspect,~7,900'. Intentional remote skier triggered avalanche. View from triggering location. 20' shooting crack to where avalanche occurred. Pointing to far flank on the large bump in low visibility. 20' skier triggered shooting crack in near treeline terrain, ENE aspect. Another natural wind slab avalanche, above treeline terrain, ENE aspect, ~8,100'. Still another natural wind slab avalanche, above treeline terrain, ENE aspect, ~8,100'. Wide propagation with the far flank about 2/3rds of the way across the open slope in the background. Easily 200' wide. Forecaster
12/01/2018 - 12:15

Snowpack Observation
Gareth Feldstein

Donner Summit Area
Wind loading - small cornice 125cm weak top layer roughly 35cm Checking the crust @ 55cm - 30cm Crust @ 55cm Joe - extended column test (Low angle probably prevented negative test results) Wind loading along the ridge-line Lots of wind on the ridge-line Public
12/01/2018 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack peak East aspact at 9800'

Mount Rose Area
Public
12/01/2018 - 14:15

Snowpack Observation
Johnston Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/02/2018 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Broken Glass

Mount Rose Area
Public
12/02/2018 - 10:45

Avalanche Observation
Red Lake Peak - Above Crater Lake

Carson Pass Area
Just before the avalanche was triggered. The skier that triggered it just did a ski cut and then a few more turns with no reaction other than loose sluff. The avalanche would be triggered on the next 1 or 2 turns. The skier that triggered the avalanche took this photo of the loose dry sluff just before the avalanche was triggered. Avalanche debris field. The path dog legs out of sight to the left. Looking back at the upper path of the avalanche. You can ski where the skier went over the buried rocks but was able to ski to safety. The upper crown is 12-14" and lower crown 24-30". Overview of avalanche crown. The first ski cut is visible as well as where the skier stopped after releasing the loose sluff. 24-30" avalanche crown Upper bowl of Red Lake peak is visible with previous ski tracks. The lower part of the avalanche path is obscured by a small ridge line with trees. Public
12/02/2018 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Elephants Hump

Carson Pass Area
2mm surface hoar found throughout area Loose dry sluffing on a steep test slope Wind slab avalanche with debris covered up by additional snow Forecaster
12/03/2018 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Surface Hoar growing on flat terrain near base of Red Lake Peak. Previous skier triggered slide in sun in middle of photo. Natural slide on left of photo and skier triggered slide on far right. Cracking in front of ski tip. Professional Observer
12/03/2018 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Slab Cliffs

Mount Rose Area
Forecaster
12/03/2018 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Jakes Peak

West Shore Area
Public
12/03/2018 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
10 - 15 mm surface hoar was widespread in the Mt. Judah area. IT did start to melt some on slopes with direct sun-exposure later in the day. Cornice pieces and loose dry surface hoar sluffs on Wild Flower Ridge. Cloud cover rolling into the area in the afternoon. Forecaster
12/03/2018 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Rubicon peak

West Shore Area
Surface hoar around 7600ft/ NE Looking west into desolation Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho

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