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
12/20/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Shooting cracks triggered by ski kicks on an E facing wind-loaded test slope at 7900 ft.The same slope after it failed on the next ski kick. Forecaster
12/20/2017 - 11:45

Snowpack Observation
Chickadee Ridge

Mount Rose Area
Small wind slabs reactive to ski cuts. N aspect ~9,100'.Small wind slabs failed easily on test slopes. N aspect ~9,100'. Forecaster
12/20/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle Valley

Donner Summit Area
No visible blowing snow along the ridges. Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/19/2017 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake Peak

Mount Rose Area
1.7m ECTP-21 failing on F hard facets below P hard wind slab. Forecaster
12/19/2017 - 11:15

Snowpack Observation
Slab Cliffs

Mount Rose Area
Significant wind scouring below treeline that had occured sometime after mid day on Dec 16. Forecaster
12/19/2017 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Minimal snow coverage below 7500 ft.Scoured surfaces on exposed slopes in above treeline terrain.Near surface facets. Forecaster
12/18/2017 - 15:00

Snowpack Observation
Frog Lake Ridge

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
12/18/2017 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
just S of Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Donner Summit Avalanche Semina
12/18/2017 - 12:45

Snowpack Observation
Ophir Peak

Mount Rose Area
Minor wind scouring on the top 100' of peak.  Large boulders and trees still poking out of snowpack. Forecaster
12/18/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Exposed firm rain crust on an open slope.Wind affected surfaces on a NW aspectCoverage on the N side of Castle. Forecaster
12/17/2017 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Lincoln Ridge

Yuba Pass Area
Variable wind scoured snow surfaces in open N-NE facing areas at 7600 ft.Firm rain crust exposed by wind scouring on a NE aspect near the ridgeline.Snow coverage at 7200 ft. Near surface facets on northerly aspects. Forecaster
12/17/2017 - 12:07

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Ridge

Donner Summit Area
Surface Conditions mix of sustrugi and melt freeze crusts Educator

Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/16/2017 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake Peak/Slab Cliffs

Mount Rose Area
Strong to Gale force NE winds moving minimal amounts of snow to S side of ridgeline.Small cracking just off ridgeline from minor wind loading on S aspects. Forecaster
12/15/2017 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Trimmer Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
1-2 cm Surface Hoar observed in open areas below 8000 feet.Treed areas above 8000 feet had sticky wet snow by noon. Professional Observer
12/15/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Elephants Back/Frog Lake Cliffs

Carson Pass Area
Soft near surface facets in the trees with wind scoured surfaces below ridge. Forecaster

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