These observations document past conditions at a small and variable scale. They are not too 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 Region Observation Type Photos Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos Snowpit videos (tests, etc) Observation made by
01/23/2021 - 12:00 Mt. Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Shallow (3-4") and isolated cracking, a short ways above the Old Donner Summit parking area. This N-facing slope on Wildflower Ridge was loaded by SW winds, but the surface texture also indicates being affected by the NE winds during our tour. Cracking in a 1'-deep wind drift on the W side of the Mt. Judah ridgeline, loaded by NE winds. Scoured crust at the very top of Mt. Judah's east face. Guide
Alpenglow Expeditions
01/23/2021 - 11:30 Andesite Ridge Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Touchy wind slabs, long cracks also extended ahead of the skier in this photo. The ridge traversed in the video. Blowing snow. Forecaster
01/22/2021 - 14:30 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Facets Public
01/22/2021 - 10:00 Far East Ridge of Tamarack Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Ice exposed from wind scouring on Tamarack Lake Low level clouds obscuring the view across Lake Tahoe to the Sierra Crest. Breakable crust on a sheltered N facing slope. Forecaster
01/21/2021 - 13:00 Red Lake e Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
01/21/2021 - 11:00 Castle Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Good quality spring snow existed between the many present obstacles. Thin coverage with mostly un-skiable conditions on the south side of Castle Peak. SE aspects off of Lunch Rock are thin with barely skiable snow. Northerly aspects have a firm rain crust. Forecaster
01/21/2021 - 02:00 Castle Pass Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Guide
Outdoor Adventure Club
01/20/2021 - 12:30 Elephant's Hump Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Pit profile @ 8300' Crust directly above Dec. 11th layer Firm surface crust. Professional Observer
01/20/2021 - 12:00 Picketts Peak Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Approaching through the forest there was plenty of evidence of the recent wind event, including these pine needles stuck in animal prints in the snow. Popping out on the ridge and look to to the south. The north facing slopes in the distance look much more wintery than the dry south facing slope we are standing on top of. This pit is from two weeks ago but shows almost not evidence of surface changes (no new snow). Shallow snowpack with well developed facets in the bottom 40 cms. Large facets with striations at the bottom of the snowpack. Professional Observer
01/20/2021 - 10:30 Mt. Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation ~ 1 inch of soft wet snow on top of a firm and supportable refrozen snowpack Debris littered the snow surface from the recent NE wind event Overall the snowpack is shallow on sunny southerly facing slopes. Firm icy surfaces on E facing aspects. Only the south facing slopes softened on our tour. Forecaster
01/19/2021 - 10:45 Andesite Ridge Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation First of three down trees easily seen while traveling Castle Rd to Castle Pass. Second of three down trees seen while traveling Castle Rd to Castle Pass. Forecaster
01/17/2021 - 11:30 Mount Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Educator
Alpenglow Expeditions
01/17/2021 - 11:00 Stevens Peak Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Variable rain crusts on NE aspects Thin snow cover on E aspects below 8400 ft. Snow cover above 8600 ft. Forecaster
01/16/2021 - 14:00 Andesite Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Educator
Alpenglow Expeditions
01/16/2021 - 10:30 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Looking down E aspect terrain from 8,000' to 7,300'. Rapidly thinning snowpack on ESE aspect at 8,000'. Decent supportable wet snow on open slopes at 8,000'. Very weak refreeze under thick forest canopy. Forecaster

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