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
01/05/2022 - 12:21 Tamarack Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Hand hardness test showing pencil hard wind lab above 4 finger DF Public
01/05/2022 - 12:00 Tamarack Peak Mount Rose Area Snowpack Observation Near treeline terrain wind scouring and sculpting Open below treeline terrain wind scouring Low to mid level cloud cover throughout the area-Relay Peak Raised tracks from the recent wind scouring. Forecaster
01/05/2022 - 11:30 Mt. Judah Donner Summit Area Snowpack Observation A cloud got stuck on Judah making it hard to see the larger avalanche paths. Ice coated all of the trees all the way to the summit of Mt. Judah at 8200 ft. ECTN on a wind-loaded test slope. Rain crust on the summit of Mt. Judah A thin rain crust existed at all elevations. Settlement cracks around trees showing consolidation in the new snow. Forecaster
01/04/2022 - 15:43 Donner Summit Area Donner Summit Area Avalanche Observation Public
01/04/2022 - 15:21 Shirley Canyon Trail Snowpack Observation Public
01/04/2022 - 13:20 Luther Pass Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) Snowpack Observation Heavily wind affected snow in exposed areas, gullies and drainages within tree line. Frozen rain crust first thing in the morning from 7600'-8300'. Ski tracks wind loaded with pine needles and debris. ECTP1 on hard windslabs within tree line. Clean planar fracture between wind slabs and old snow interface. Hoar frost needles growing on trees above 9000'. Boot top ski pen in unconsolidated snow on N aspects. Broken skies on the Sierra crest early in the morning. Professional Observer
01/04/2022 - 11:00 Becker Ridge Echo Summit Area Snowpack Observation Tons of down needles and small branches Presumed recent wind driven fallen tree Blackened trees without any snow on them Old ski and snowshoe tracks in this more open area where mostly filled in by wind transported snow. Evidence of wind eroding snow on the tree line ridge Cornices that appear to have pulled away in places No cracking and minimal ski penetration on this wind loaded test slope Thick frozen rain Interesting pattern of frozen rain on a branch Professional Observer
01/04/2022 - 09:00 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Snowpack Observation Shooting crack on a wind-loaded test slope at ~7800 ft. 4- 6 inch, 1-finger hard wind slab on top of fist hard soft snow. Debris from trees on an open lower elevation slope. Blowing snow, clouds, and wind affected snow surfaces on the NE ridge of Silver Peak Signs of wind scouring on a slope that traditionally gets wind loaded. Forecaster
01/04/2022 - 08:00 Crater Lake Rd. Carson Pass Area Avalanche Observation Old avalanche debris along Crater Lake Rd. Public
01/04/2022 - 06:00 Castle Peak Donner Summit Area Avalanche Observation Educator
West Wind Collective
01/04/2022 - 05:00 Lincoln Ridge Yuba Pass Area Avalanche Observation Natural wind slab avalanche triggered by cornice collapse Large cornices forming along Lincoln Ridge Forecaster
01/04/2022 - 04:00 Peak 7,483' Donner Summit Area Avalanche Observation Natural wind slab avalanche form the Jan 3rd/4th cycle as seen on Jan 8. Natural wind slab avalanche form the Jan 3rd/4th cycle as seen on Jan 8. Forecaster
01/03/2022 - 12:30 Angora Peak Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) Snowpack Observation Blowing snow along Echo Peak Snow transport on Mt. Tallac Hard wind slab conditions with easy hand pit results, 4-6'' deep, P hard slab over 4F softer snow. Wind hammered conditions in open below treeline terrain Forecaster
01/03/2022 - 12:00 Burnside Lake Woodfords Canyon Snowpack Observation Professional Observer
01/03/2022 - 10:30 Silver Peak Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Avalanche Observation Hard to see, but wind slab failure crosses bowl Public

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