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
03/27/2023 - 15:30

Avalanche Observation
Cindercone

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
03/27/2023 - 15:00

Snowpack Observation
The Nipple

Carson Pass Area
Unstable test results three days after the avalanche, and current wind loading Professional Observer
03/27/2023 - 12:20

Avalanche Observation
Tallac East Bowl North and Cross

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
03/27/2023 - 11:45

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
Cracking only when undercut of a section of 4F to 1F hardness slab over F hard graupel. ECTN results on multiple graupel layers. CTN result on buried surface hoar. Some minor cornice failure entraining 1 inch of surface snow. Forecaster
03/27/2023 - 11:30

Avalanche Observation
Isolated Convexity between Little Alaska and Twin Peaks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
03/26/2023 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Blue Lakes

Carson Pass Area
North facing surface hoar, 8300 feet Public
03/26/2023 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake Peak

Mount Rose Area
Cornice pieces dropped on wind-loaded test slopes did not produce additional signs of instability. ECTN on a wind-loaded test slope with buried graupel and surface hoar. Ski cuts on a sheltered N facing test slope that had previously avalanched cause last night's snow to sluff off of the firm old snow surface. A previous avalanche covered up by last night's 2-4 inches of snow on a sheltered N facing test slope. Cloud cover starting to build around 1:30 pm. Forecaster
03/26/2023 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Meiss

Carson Pass Area
Convective clouds produced 2" of new snowfall A test slope that didn't propagate wide, but ran downhill into low angle terrain A test slope that propagated wider than expected, but didn't run far downhill Graupel above firm snow, not reactive to ECTs but a PST indicated propagation was likely Professional Observer
03/25/2023 - 13:00

Avalanche Observation
Donner Peak north side

Donner Summit Area
Public
03/25/2023 - 12:25

Avalanche Observation
North Maggie's

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
03/25/2023 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Conditions from the trailhead were varied with cold snow in the shade and sun crust on solar exposed terrain. Small cornice failure test slope that produced no wind slab instabilities. Wind striping as we approached above treeline terrain. Quick ECTN looking for instabilities on a similar slope to yesterday's avalanche. We found multiple density layer changes in the top 35cm including several graupel layers. Old crowns in the bowl below Red Lake Peak ECT at the location of yesterday's avalanche. Wind slab that failed in yesterdays avalanche.  Crown depth was deeper with the increased wind deposition further downslope. Skier triggered avalanche reported 3/24. Professional Observer
03/25/2023 - 08:20

Avalanche Observation
Mount Tallac

West Shore Area
Public
03/24/2023 - 17:00

Avalanche Observation
Near Mt. Lola

Little Truckee Summit Areas
Public
03/24/2023 - 15:30

Avalanche Observation
Fireplug

Mount Rose Area
Guide

Blackbird Mountain Guid
03/24/2023 - 14:30

Avalanche Observation
Blue Lake Road

Carson Pass Area
Public

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