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
04/18/2018 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon Peak
West Shore Area 		Increasing cloud cover and the approaching storm. Breakable crust was widespread on E-NE-N aspects at all elevations Graupel layer at the base of the recent snow. Forecaster
04/17/2018 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Slab Cliffs
Mount Rose Area 		Loose wet sluff triggered by a ski cut on a steep ENE aspect at 9000 ft. Forecaster
04/16/2018 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Carson Pass south near Elephant's Back
Carson Pass Area 		Minimal results kicking on a below tree line test slope. Pretty sastrugi growing into the wind. Steep below tree line features displayed loose dry slide characteristics in response to skier activity. Small wind slab on a convex roll in near tree line terrain. Professional Observer
04/16/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Small wind slab triggered by large cornice drop on a ENE facing test slope at 8040 ft. See video. Small 1 to 4 inch slab triggered on an E facing test slope @ 8040 ft. that had just received a short period of sun-exposure The other side of the small slab triggered on the E facing test slope. New snow and some wind-loading filling in the skin track @ 8160 ft. About 30 cm (1 ft) of new snow resting on top of a moist crust on top of wet snow in a meadow at 7500 ft. Forecaster
04/15/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Still adequate snow coverage for travel at lower elevations but dry patches are growing. Firm surface snow conditions around 9000 feet on north facing slopes at 11:30am. Professional Observer
04/15/2018 - 09:30
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Increasing cloud cover over the Sierra Crest at 9:30 am. One inche of surface wet snow on ESE aspect at ~8,100' at 9:30 am. Forecaster
04/14/2018 - 16:45
Avalanche Observation 		Looking at the area below Needle Peak behind Squaw' Shirley Lake
Donner Summit Area 		Slide happened between 15:45 and 16:42 based on two photos I took. Public
04/14/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Stevens Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Small loose wet avalanche intentionally skier triggered at 12pm on NE aspect at 8800' Up to 3-4'' of transitional snow on N-NE aspects. Forecaster
04/13/2018 - 13:15
Snowpack Observation 		Maggie's Peak South
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Skier triggered loose wet avalanche, 8,350', ENE aspect, 1:15pm. N and NE aspect terrain above Azure Lake in full sun with April high sun angle. Forecaster
04/12/2018 - 18:00
Snowpack Observation 		North Bowl Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		West winds transporting snow More west wind transport 4-5" of cold snow still existed on N aspect at 18:30 Public
04/12/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite and Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Skier triggered shooting crack on a wind loaded E facing test slope Small ski triggered wind slab failure on an E facing test slope Increasing clouds across the Sierra Crest around noon NW winds scouring the ridge on Castle Peak at 11:15 am Forecaster
04/12/2018 - 01:15
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Public
04/11/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Chickadee Ridge
Mount Rose Area 		1 to 3 cm of corn snow on top of a supportable melt-freeze crust at 11:30 am Widespread cloud cover rolling in across the Sierra Crest ahead of tonight's storm Forecaster
04/11/2018 - 03:30
Avalanche Observation 		Mr Rose trail just past waterfall
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/10/2018 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Almost knee deep wet snow on an E aspect at 8000 ft. at 12:15 pm. Rain clouds and rain looking east from Mt. Judah Cracks along Wildflower Ridge as the cornice pulls away from the ridge. Forecaster

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