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
03/23/2023 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		I remotely triggered this wind slab from the lower angle terrain 20 ft away where I am standing in this photo. Stepping on this wind-loaded test slope triggered shooting cracks and the avalanche 20 ft away on a steeper part of the slope. We found the layer of buried surface hoar about 18 inches below the surface on a N aspect at 7800 ft, but tests targeting it did not produce unstable results. Natural wind slab avalanches on the East face of Mt. Judah. Another natural avalanche near the summit of Mt. Judah. Forecaster
03/23/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Polaris Bowl
Carson Pass Area 		wind transport on Hawkins 3 hours later, in windy areas tracks almost fully filled in cracks around the skis Public
03/24/2023 - 09:00
Avalanche Observation 		Red lake peak
Carson Pass Area 		Public
03/24/2023 - 09:30
Avalanche Observation 		Trestle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Public
03/24/2023 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Pacific Valley and Highland Lakes
Ebbetts Pass Area 		Public
03/24/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Trimmer Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Looking at Trimmer in the distance with burned forest from Caldor fire closer. Evidence of previous SW winds one the upper ridge of the approach peak. This small near tree line NE facing test slope at about 8200 feet showed virtually no cohesive snow. Small N facing cornice at 8200 feet broke a few inches deep and propagated about 10 feet in response to ski kicks. Close to 9000 feet there were many small wind slabs that easily produced cracks ECTN 12. I didn't find buried Surface Hoar but did see buried graupel. The looker's right slide path of the 11's. Professional Observer
03/24/2023 - 13:30
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Small cornice pieces broke and fell onto test slopes when kicked, but they did not trigger wind slab failures in the test slopes. Large cornices along the Hourglass Ridge. Wind affected snow surfaces existed along the ridges with softer more consistent snow in sheltered areas. Surface hoar was buried about 12 to 16 inches below the surface in some areas, but tests targeting it and general observations did not show any signs of instability. Forecaster
03/24/2023 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Elephants Hump
Carson Pass Area 		A light crust indicating rain or wet snow may have destroyed surface hoar Erosion pattern from moderate to strong NW winds Professional Observer
03/24/2023 - 14:30
Avalanche Observation 		Blue Lake Road
Carson Pass Area 		Public
03/24/2023 - 15:30
Avalanche Observation 		Fireplug
Mount Rose Area 		Guide
Blackbird Mountain Guid
03/24/2023 - 17:00
Avalanche Observation 		Near Mt. Lola
Little Truckee Summit Areas 		Public
03/25/2023 - 08:20
Avalanche Observation 		Mount Tallac
West Shore Area 		Public
03/25/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Conditions from the trailhead were varied with cold snow in the shade and sun crust on solar exposed terrain. Small cornice failure test slope that produced no wind slab instabilities. Wind striping as we approached above treeline terrain. Quick ECTN looking for instabilities on a similar slope to yesterday's avalanche. We found multiple density layer changes in the top 35cm including several graupel layers. Old crowns in the bowl below Red Lake Peak ECT at the location of yesterday's avalanche. Wind slab that failed in yesterdays avalanche. Crown depth was deeper with the increased wind deposition further downslope. Skier triggered avalanche reported 3/24. Professional Observer
03/25/2023 - 12:25
Avalanche Observation 		North Maggie's
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Public
03/25/2023 - 13:00
Avalanche Observation 		Donner Peak north side
Donner Summit Area 		Public

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