These observations document past conditions at a small and variable scale. They are not too 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 Region Observation Type Photos Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos Snowpit videos (tests, etc) Observation made by
12/03/2020 - 10:30 Frog Lake Cliffs Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Impressively weak snow. Boot penetration near my pit location was 40 cms Weak snow but no slab present An upside down pole was easy to probe to the ground in most of the shady north facing near tree terrain I explored. Firm previously scoured snow was found on ridges. Noticed this sign which I don't usually see in the winter b/c it gets buried. Looking across Hwy 88 at the south facing slopes of Red Lake Peak. Professional Observer
12/03/2020 - 11:00 Mt. Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Thin snow coverage throughout this area. Looking south along the Sierra Crest Looking at the E face of Judah Forecaster
12/04/2020 - 11:00 Becker Ridge Echo Summit Area Snowpack Observation Looking down north aspects to lake. Looking out towards Desolation Wilderness. Forecaster
12/04/2020 - 12:00 Scout Peak Echo Summit Area Snowpack Observation Snow at ground interface in pit profile was wet and compressible. Slopes with rocks, logs, and stumps. Thin melt freeze crust on sunny aspects below tree line. Pit profile showing wind slab at surface. 8-10cm of boot pen on South aspect @ 13:30 Professional Observer
12/05/2020 - 10:00 NW of Incline Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Decent quality "corn like" snow on wind protected SE aspect around 9,500'-9,600'. Snowcover continues to disappear on E to SE aspects, especially below 8,800'. Previous E wind scouring below treeline on N aspect terrain creating elevated old tracks. Forecaster
12/06/2020 - 10:45 Lincoln Ridge Yuba Pass Area Snowpack Observation Wind scoured ridgetops with solar aspect melt to bare ground at 7,800'. Pit location on N aspect at 7,729. Well developed, dry and loose near surface facets from a hand pit. Good snowcover on the roads with loose cold snow for good machine cooling above 7,000'. Forecaster
12/06/2020 - 12:00 Squaw Ridge Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
12/07/2020 - 11:30 Castle Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Southerly aspects showing lots of snow melt and loss. Near surface faceting on W aspects in open below treeline terrain. Forecaster
12/08/2020 - 11:00 Mt. Lola Independence Lake Area Snowpack Observation Forecaster
12/08/2020 - 13:00 Mt Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation 70cm HS with growing surface faceted layer under crust at 8100' NE aspect bad photo but crust breaks and slides easily on top of upper faceted layer weak dry faceted snow in upper near surface layer wild surface conditions on exposed SE aspect at 8200' Public
12/09/2020 - 09:45 Andesite Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Terrain trap in below treeline terrain with weak snow on the surface. More exposed upper elevation terrain that has been scoured. Forecaster
12/09/2020 - 12:15 Stevens Peak Snowpack Observation 55cm pit profile trending from 4F to 1F to ground. Snow at the ground interface was wet and compressible. Above tree line intermittent patches of snow and rock fields on ascent. Consolidated block from CT from the bottom 30 cm of pit. Professional Observer
12/10/2020 - 09:45 Grouse Rock Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area Snowpack Observation Educator
Tahoe Mountain School
12/10/2020 - 11:00 Incline Lake Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Wind scoured ridgelines. Minimal snow on E aspects below 8600' Forecaster
12/10/2020 - 12:00 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Guide
Alpenglow Expeditions

Pages

Subscribe to Central Sierra Nevada / Lake Tahoe Snowpack, Weather, and Avalanche Observations for California and Nevada from SAC