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
04/25/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Jakes Peak
West Shore Area 		The bottom part of a SE aspect on Jakes Peak. Not very smooth with a marginal refreeze at lower elevations. Ski pen on E aspects at 10am near 7500'. Boot pen was ankle deep at 10:30am on E aspects in isolated areas. Remains of an old large avalanche, probably from March, that ran through this area. Views into Desolation Wilderness with a deep snowpack. Forecaster
04/25/2023 - 08:00
Snowpack Observation 		Rose Knob
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/24/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Rose Knob Peak
Mount Rose Area 		When we stepped off our skis we sank into deep wet snow on SE-S aspects by 10:45 and on SW aspects by 11:30 am. Some places where a shallower snowpack existed near the ridge held deep wet snow at 11 am. The snow remained ski and boot supportable on SW and W aspects until sometime between 11 and 11:30 this morning. Forecaster
04/23/2023 - 19:15
Snowpack Observation 		Allison Ridge - Rose Knob Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Cracking and recent collapses of the cornice Public
04/23/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Recent cornice collapse with wet loose avalanche along the Lincoln/Anderson Ridgeline. Shin deep boot pen with marginal ski supportability at 11:30am on E aspects. 5'' of very wet surface snow on top of a 1F M/F crust 2'' thick. Below that up to 3' of wet snow. Cloud cover looking south along the Sierra Crest. Large deep cracks opening up as cornices pull away from ridges. Forecaster
04/23/2023 - 10:56
Snowpack Observation 		Scout Peak
Echo Summit Area 		6" of boot pen on S aspect @ 0930 @ 8900' Upper level cirrus clouds with lower level cumulus throughout the day. Punchy wet snow along the ridgeline. Weak 2-4cm melt freeze crust from last night. Wet clustery snow near and below the surface. Professional Observer
04/23/2023 - 09:00
Snowpack Observation 		Flagpole Peak
Echo Summit Area 		7am cloud cover over Lower Echo Lake Good day for spring mountaineering practice, except boot penetration was already getting deep by 9am Large cornices and recent wet loose activity along the Becker/Talking/Ralston ridge This recent avalanche had a flank that appeared more slab-like than loose Professional Observer
04/22/2023 - 11:15
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Tallac
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Cathedral Bowl looking in through northern entrance with some older cornice fall and wet loose debris visible. A sizable rockfall event occurred off of the rock buttress in the center top portion of the frame while we were in the lower portion of the bowl. Recent wet loose avalanches on E aspect slopes just to the north of Cathedral Bowl. Forecaster
04/22/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Sand Chutes/Galena Bowls
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/21/2023 - 16:00
Snowpack Observation 		Blue Lakes
Carson Pass Area 		Triple threat cornices, and many more were out of the frame Another large cornice in the Blue Lakes area Convective cloud cover building in the afternoon heat Due to a mechanical failure I did more walking today than usual, and boot penetration was minimal Professional Observer
04/21/2023 - 12:44
Snowpack Observation 		Luther Pass
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Looking at Pickett's and Hawkins peak with passing cloud cover. 1-2" of new snow from Tuesday found in this area in very isolated shaded locations. Rock moats are opening up, post holed above my thigh on this one. 300cm of snow @ 8900' on NW aspect. Minimal boot pen @ 1130 on south aspect. Passing cirrus clouds to start the day. Professional Observer
04/21/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Slide Mountain
Mount Rose Area 		Up to 4'' of wet transitional snow near 9600' on E aspects sliding easily on a firm M/F crust. Loose wet and roller balls on a steep E aspect wind loaded feature. Increasing clouds in the Mt. Rose area starting around 10am. Good snow coverage throughout this area. Wet and punchy transitional snow on S aspects at 9000'. Forecaster
04/20/2023 - 12:01
Snowpack Observation 		Elephan'ts Hump
Carson Pass Area 		Recent cornice fall with wet loose activity on the main face of Elephant's Back. Isolated pockets of soft unconsolidated snow on true north aspects. Wind slab formation from Tuesday's weather event on NE aspect. Melt freeze crust above new snow from Tuesday's weather event. Skin track on SE aspects @ 11:30, 1/2" of surface snow softening up. Small rollerballs on ski cuts and turns. Professional Observer
04/20/2023 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Johnson Canyon
Donner Summit Area 		The recent storm snow sitting on the previous melt-freeze crust. The storm snow has not fully transitioned from cold snow to corn snow. Ski cuts triggered small sluffs of wet snow on steep sunny slopes at 10:30 am. Shady or true north facing slopes still held cold soft snow. Sunny areas had a melt freeze crust on top of soft snow on top of a much thicker melt-freeze layer. Forecaster
04/20/2023 - 09:00
Snowpack Observation 		Maggies Peak
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Public

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