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
12/13/2018 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Talking Mt.

Echo Summit Area
This small mound on the approach ridge held very soft surface snow on the shady aspects but a thin breakable crust on the solar aspects. Beneath the crust similar very soft snow (NSFs) was present. Stomping on small cornices on the ridge produced small breaks that didn't produce much excitement. In more open areas some wind slab was present. This was sitting on top of 20cms of very soft snow. The wind slab was very easy to remove and expose the soft SH and NSFs below. Despite a small wind slab, ECTs did not produce propagation. Ski cuts on small test features also did not produce results in this area. Professional Observer
12/13/2018 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Johnson Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Near surface facets on ENE aspect at about 7,200'. S aspect surface wet snow. Forming melt freeze surface crust on flat terrain at 7,600'. Forecaster
12/13/2018 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
12/4 surface hoar is preserved in this area Wind scouring on a northerly slope from yesterdays NE/E winds. Forecaster
12/14/2018 - 10:30

Snowpack Observation
Anderson Ridge

Donner Summit Area
High winds but minimal local ridge top transport wind scoured and side loading below the ridge thin and non-reactive wind loading at 10:30a Public
12/14/2018 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Deep Creek

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Pit location above avalanche path below. Trim line and runout zone just visible in background. Minor amounts of blowing snow noted along the Sierra Crest between Tinker's Knob and Anderson Peak. Forecaster
12/14/2018 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Approach to Meiss

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
12/14/2018 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Pole creek road

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Public
12/14/2018 - 11:45

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
NE side of Silver Peak as viewed from ridge between Pole Creek and Deep Creek. Forecaster
12/14/2018 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Twin Peaks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Lenticular clouds and some wind transport along the Sierra Crest near Twin Peaks. ECT test with no fractures from a near treeline line test slope. Small wind pillow with some cracking. The wind slab only extended a few feet downslope. Forecaster
12/15/2018 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Trimmer Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Small wind slabs in below tree line areas Long shooting crack in near treeline area. About 300' down from ridge. Public
12/15/2018 - 12:15

Snowpack Observation
Castle Peak NE Face

Donner Summit Area
NE Slopes on Castle Peak Steep entrance with cornice NE face access trough hole in rock band Large cornices on N ridge Public
12/15/2018 - 12:45

Snowpack Observation
Slab Cliffs

Mount Rose Area
Skier triggered cracking in a small shallow slab on a wind-loaded pocket. Clouds moving into the area ahead of tomorrow night's storm. Forecaster
12/15/2018 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle Pass

Donner Summit Area
Public
12/15/2018 - 14:15

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake Peak (Ginny Drainage)

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

Snowpack Observation
Johnson Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Tahoe Mountain Scho

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