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
01/10/2021 - 11:15 Saddle below Donner Peak Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Rounding facets Guide
Alpenglow Expeditions
01/10/2021 - 10:15 Incline Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation NE wind effect snow surface texture near treeline in foreground and beyond. NE wind effect snow surface texture below treeline. Forecaster
01/09/2021 - 12:30 Flagpole Echo Summit Area Snowpack Observation 3-5mm surface hoar below 7300 above supportable ice crust. Pit profile 1 @ 6800' E facing slope A change from surface hoar to a mix of grapple/ice pellets starting @ 7500' and up to saddle. Pit profile 2 @ 7800' NE facing slope. Preserved layer of graupel under thin breakable rain crust above 7800' Rain crust at top of saddle of Flagpole. Wind effect at top of saddle of Flagpole. Professional Observer
01/09/2021 - 12:00 Euer Valley/Donner Ridge Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Surface hoar was up to 15mm in places Supportable knife hard surface crust SH closeup Wet snow in the trees below 7k’ Public
01/09/2021 - 12:00 Blue Lakes Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
01/09/2021 - 12:00 Wildflower Ridge/Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Educator
Alpenglow Expeditions
01/09/2021 - 11:15 Mt. Lola Independence Lake Area Snowpack Observation Double cornice feature from SW and NE winds. The snowpack continues to settle and gain strength. Surface wet snow on an ESE aspect at ~8,000'. Forecaster
01/08/2021 - 14:00 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Blowing snow along surface 7200', NW aspect, HS=90cm. (Note: hand hardness obs on sunny pit wall for easier class viewing given our terrain at this location.) Rainbow! Guide
Alpenglow Expeditions
01/08/2021 - 12:00 Meiss Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
01/08/2021 - 11:00 Martis Peak Snowpack Observation Stepping off the sled and post-holing almost to the ground. Thin rain crust below 7300 ft. It got thicker and more widespread at lower elevations. Unsettled weather along the Sierra Crest Forecaster
01/08/2021 - 10:30 Chickadee Ridge Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Public
01/07/2021 - 12:00 Castle Peak North side Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation Public
01/07/2021 - 11:30 South of Red Lake Carson Pass Area Snowpack Observation Fist- snow in the Dec 11 layer, about 44cm down Large facets in the Dec 11 layer 44cm down to about 3cm above the ground Educator
Lake Tahoe Community College - Wilderness Education
01/07/2021 - 11:30 Signal Peak Outside of the Forecast Area Snowpack Observation test location, slope angle 37degrees ECTP 14 @30cm down. Facet temp was 0℃ 10cm above facet temp was -3.3℃ and snow surface temp was -6.3℃ of course I wanted to ski it... Public
01/07/2021 - 11:00 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Surface rain crust at 7200' fractured easily. Breakable rain crust between 7000-7500' Forecaster

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