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
03/14/2017 - 11:15

Snowpack Observation
Stevens Peak

Carson Pass Area
Shin deep wet snow on an East aspect at about 7700 ft. at 12:00pm1-2 inches of wet snow on top of a thin but supportable refreeze crust at 9200 ft. on a SE aspectBoot top deep wet snow on an ESE aspect at about 8200 ft. at 10:45 am. Forecaster
03/14/2017 - 10:15

Avalanche Observation
South of Frog Lake Cliff

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Donner Summit Avalanche Semina
03/13/2017 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Ridge

Donner Summit Area
1pm.  Boot top boot pen and full length ski pole pen on S aspects at 7500'. Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho
03/13/2017 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Angora Peak

Echo Summit Area
At 9:15 am on a 7800 foot East aspect under dense tree cover, the snow was soft an unfrozen.At 10:20 am on a 8200 foot South East aspect on an open slope, the top 4-6 inches of snow was melted and soft. A slight freeze lingered below that depth.In the same location as Photo 2, more force on the pole could move through the lingering freeze layer and penetrate to deeper unconsolidated snow below.At 10:20 am on 7800 foot South East aspect on an open slope, snow was melted and very soft. Impressively deep holes over creeks in this area. Professional Observer
03/13/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Runnels creating less than smooth snow surfaces on ESE aspects (photo left), transitioning to smooth on NE aspects (photo right).Decent supportability in open areas at 9:45am.Cracking of weak melt freeze crust on nil aspect under forest canopy.Poor supportability of surface melt-freeze on N aspect at 6,700' at 9:30am. Forecaster
03/13/2017 - 10:10

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Donner Summit Avalanche Semina
03/12/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Slide Mountain

Mount Rose Area
Ski and boot supportable snow on solar aspects at 11:30am.Rough snow texture from previous wind and avalanche debris. Forecaster
03/12/2017 - 10:05

Snowpack Observation
Donner Ridge

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Donner Summit Avalanche Semina
03/11/2017 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Rose Knob

Mount Rose Area
Small skier triggered loose wet activity.Below 8500' on E/SE aspects, roller ball activity.At 8000' and below, fully unsupportable snow conditions. Forecaster
03/10/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
South Side Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Consistent boot pen around 1' deep throughout the day.Snow surface runnels from previous melt. Forecaster
03/10/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Negro Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Shin deep wet snow on an east aspect at 7200 ft.Skier-triggered pinwheels up to 2 ft in diameter Forecaster
03/09/2017 - 11:15

Snowpack Observation
Carson Pass/West shoulder of Red Lake Pk

Carson Pass Area
Rough wind sculpted snow surfaces on S aspect terrain above treeline.Minor amounts of skier triggered rollerballs at 9,600' on SE aspect at 11:15am.Minor amounts ov skier triggered roller balls at 8,900' on SE aspect gully wall at 11:30am. Forecaster
03/09/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake and Rose Knob Peak

Mount Rose Area
Debris from large ski-cut-triggered pinwheels and roller balls.More pinwheels on a smaller slope at about 3 ft. in diameterDivots and runnels created by the recent warming. Forecaster
03/08/2017 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
Signs of significant settlement of recent storm snow.Skier triggered roller ball at 8,000' on NNE aspect at 11:30am.Natural roller balls on Crag Peak, E aspect, 9,000'.Site of testpit to examine wind slab. Forecaster
03/08/2017 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Trimmer Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Skier triggered roller balls and pinwheels at 10 am on an E aspect.Runnels in the snow surface caused by warming and melting. Forecaster

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