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
02/02/2020 - 05:00
Snowpack Observation 		White Rock Lake
Outside of the Forecast Area 		Public
02/01/2020 - 14:15
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Lola
Independence Lake Area 		Public
02/01/2020 - 13:00
Avalanche Observation 		Near Bear meadow
Independence Lake Area 		Loose wet avalanche Public
02/01/2020 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Johnson Canyon
Donner Summit Area 		Frozen crust on shady slopes this morning. Frozen and firm crust on shady slopes in the morning 2 cm of soft wet snow on a supportable base by midday on a SW aspect. Signs of recent cornice failures. Forecaster
02/01/2020 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Meiss headwaters
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
01/31/2020 - 12:15
Snowpack Observation 		Tallac
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Surface Hoar growing roughly from 6400 - 7200 On a north facing slope around 8400 feet, ski pen was about 15 cms (and snow glopping) Quick snow pit on north facing slope. Impressive inversion today. Previous loose wet slide debris. Professional Observer
01/31/2020 - 11:00
Avalanche Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Roller balls on an E aspect at 8800 ft. A ski kick next to these roller balls triggered a D1 loose wet avalanche. See video. Breakable crust on a shady slope with dry snow underneath it. Wind textured firm snow on a NW aspect Forecaster
01/30/2020 - 15:00
Avalanche Observation 		Donner Pass
Donner Summit Area 		Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
01/30/2020 - 13:30
Avalanche Observation 		Desolation wilderness
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		D1 natural Wet loose 1st natural indicator 10:00 am D0.5 wet loose Guide
Alpine Skills International (AS
01/30/2020 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Carpenter Ridge
Independence Lake Area 		1'' of wet surface snow on all aspects up to at least 8700'. Minor roller balls below rocks on SE aspect. Old wind slab crown in the distance on Mt. Lola, E aspect at ~9,000'. Intentionally triggered roller balls on SE aspect at ~8,700'. Forecaster
01/29/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		soft wind blown snow at trailhead 8600’ summit bowl new wind loading with NE wind scourglass yesterday’s SW wind and loading transitioning to NE wind Public
01/29/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Incline Peak/Slab Cliffs
Mount Rose Area 		P+ hard wind slab over 4F rimed crystals, SE aspect. Rimed crystals from under wind slab. Looks similar to surface hoar but is not. Wind scouring of NE aspect ridgeline. Signs of minor wind effect below treeline on N aspect. Remains of old Jan 4 PWL in the snowpit at noted lat/long. No signs of current instability here. Forecaster
01/29/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Trimmer Peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Wind scouring from north winds Test results limited to upper 10 cms of snowpack This thin but strong wind slab sits on less dense snow. In isolated areas this wind slab produced cracking. Professional Observer
01/29/2020 - 01:30
Avalanche Observation 		North Side Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Public
01/28/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Hidden Peak
West Shore Area 		Wind loading along the upper ridges of Hidden Peak Drifting snow near treeline. Traversing the ridgetop and ski cutting numerous test slopes produced no unstable results. Skin track refill in about 20 min. Forecaster

Pages