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
02/04/2020 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Patchy mix of wind scoured and wind deposits on snow surface on W aspect to the N of Castle Pass. Wind scoured, thin breakable surface rain crust at treeline on a NW aspect at ~8,800'. Thick, breakable rain/melt-freeze crust over F hard dry facets in Round Valley (nil aspect, ~8,000'). Castle-Basin Ridge showing very little wind loading from NE winds. Forecaster
01/18/2023 - 21:30
Avalanche Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Forecaster
12/18/2021 - 14:46
Snowpack Observation 		Incline peak
Mount Rose Area 		Public
02/12/2019 - 14:15
Snowpack Observation 		Jobs area
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Wind transport on jobs Public
12/26/2022 - 11:33
Snowpack Observation 		Chickadee Ridge
Mount Rose Area 		Public
02/10/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Wind scoured features on NNE aspect near the top of Tamarack Variable wind scoured surfaces and small amounts of recent snow on a NW aspect The largest drift of snow we saw today Wind affected snow surfaces on a semi-sheltered NE aspect 1 inch of wet surface snow on a supportable melt-freeze crust on a SE aspect. Forecaster
01/20/2023 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Northeast castle peak
Donner Summit Area 		Public
12/21/2021 - 22:35
Snowpack Observation 		Independence Lake
Independence Lake Area 		Snow available for transport. Skin track re-fill Wind effect. Public
02/16/2019 - 22:00
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Graupel was very widespread at Powerhouse this afternoon. Near the summit a fully extended pole could easily be buried up to the handle. Stormy day with strong winds near the ridges. Professional Observer
02/15/2020 - 15:00
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Periods of cloud cover like this move through the area today 5-8 cm of corn snow on a supportable base on a SW aspect at 2:30 pm Debris on the snow surface in the trees Variable and crusty surfaces on northerly aspects below treeline Forecaster
01/22/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Horse Meadow
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Horrible riding conditions near and above treeline due to recent and current winds Active wind transport from NE winds (Jobs Sister) A shovel tilt showing intact surface hoar. No slab above it at this location An ECTP on surface hoar, on a SE aspect at 9600ft Cracking in wind slab above surface hoar, in the trees on a N aspect at 9600ft Professional Observer
12/27/2021 - 14:47
Snowpack Observation 		Cowboy Hat
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Break in the weather late in the day. Variable wind slab thicknesses and densities 4f-1F-P. Planar releases of wind slabs. Large shooting crack, this is deeper than it looks. Waist deep skin track. Widow makers in the Caldor burn area. Deeper tree wells starting to form. Wind textured surfaces below tree line. Professional Observer
02/18/2019 - 15:15
Snowpack Observation 		Schallenberger Ridge
Donner Summit Area 		surface hoar Public
02/21/2020 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Cathedral Bowl
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Near tree line north facing terrain around 8000 feet still held some cold wintry snow. Steep north facing terrain showing a couple old crowns and evidence of wind. Soft turns in the sun just after noon. Professional Observer
01/26/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Chickadee Ridge
Mount Rose Area 		Wind carved snow in near treeline terrain on Price Peak. Wind affected snow surfaces were widespread on Chickadee Ridge. Wind scouring and sculpting near the top of Chickadee Ridge Forecaster

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