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
04/21/2022 - 11:19
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Soft powdery conditions from the trailhead @ 7700'. Mid storm graupel event. Ski cut on soft wind slab at ridgeline. Soft wind slab on wind loaded feature above 9000'. 8-10" of new snow @ 9300'. Professional Observer
04/20/2022 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon Peak
West Shore Area 		Thinning snowcover at the trailhead that improves above 7,200'. Signs of wind effect as we moved into near treeline terrain. Unreactive wind slabs that only cracked when this close to an undercut. Rollerballs and pinwheels in NNE aspect terrain around 8,100'. Natural rollerballs below cliffs looking west into Desolation Wilderness. Forecaster
04/20/2022 - 11:10
Snowpack Observation 		Round Top
Carson Pass Area 		Looking across at Red Lake Peak. Soft wind slab on small terrain feature, stubborn with no propagation. Breakable melt freeze crust on the surface early on the tour. Small debris pile from ski cut wind slab. Wet loose surface snow on solar aspects later in the day. Professional Observer
04/20/2022 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Galena and Tamarack Ridges
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/19/2022 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Wind slab failure triggered by a ski kick on an E-ENE facing test slope. Skier triggered wind-slab failure on a wind-loaded test slope. Skier triggered shooting cracks on a wind-loaded test slope. About 6 inches of new snow on top of a thin melt freeze crust with a deep layer of wet snow below it. Minor cracking around my skis in sheltered terrain. Forecaster
04/19/2022 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/18/2022 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Yuba Pass
Yuba Pass Area 		Ankle deep wet snow on an E aspect at 11 am. A thin melt freeze crust in the shade was all that was left from last night's refreeze at 11:30 am. Runnels in the snow surface indicating good drainage. Small roller balls and pinwheels on a sunny E-NE facing slope at 11:30 am. Ski cuts on sunny slopes triggered small roller balls and pinwheels before noon. Forecaster
04/17/2022 - 14:46
Avalanche Observation 		Round top
Carson Pass Area 		Natural wind slab South Lake Tahoe backcountry Wind slab near tree line Lake Tahoe backcountry Mitpit 20cm Q1 wind slab Guide
Blackbird Mountain Guides
04/17/2022 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Barker pass
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Public
04/17/2022 - 11:00
Avalanche Observation 		Donner Pass
Donner Summit Area 		Forecaster
04/17/2022 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Large pinwheel approaching 3 feet in diameter. Rime crust at 7,200'. Rime on trees near the summit at about 8,200'. Mix of supportable crust and deeper wet snow at 9:30 am on S aspect terrain at 7,300'. Forecaster
04/17/2022 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Incline Lake Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Public
04/16/2022 - 13:30
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Minor settlement cracks observed around trees. Occasional glimpses of blue sky. A semi protected near treeline test slope with failure directly below my ski but no propagation. This nearly flat slope on the summit ridge receives quite a bit of sun and the snow was heavy and grippy. Impressive propagation on the this obvious wind loaded slope on the summit ridge. More propagation Professional Observer
04/16/2022 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Donner Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Forecaster
04/16/2022 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Snow Shed
Donner Summit Area 		Public

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