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
12/03/2020 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Frog Lake Cliffs
Carson Pass Area 		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
12/02/2020 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Mt Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Wind Scoured NE Aspect of N Judah HS 75cm with obvious near surface faceting layer Near surface facets easy to identify and do not form snowball ground level facets are rounder smaller and wetter southern exposure ridgeline Public
12/02/2020 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Variable surface condition on Tamarack Peak Lots of rocks still protruding from the snowpack Numerous tracks and uneven surfaces in the Hourglass Pit location on a NE aspect Forecaster
12/01/2020 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Porthole Gap
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
12/01/2020 - 11:15
Snowpack Observation 		Stoney Ridge
West Shore Area 		Lots of granite boulders, but avoidable with care. Forecaster
11/30/2020 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Blackwood
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Buried Surface Hoar Buried Surface Hoar Public
11/30/2020 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Silver Peak
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		Large surface hoar buried just below surface. Forecaster
11/29/2020 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		NE of Mt. Lola
Independence Lake Area 		~10 inches (25 cm) of settlement and consolidation Shallow but supportable snow in a meadow around 6900 ft. Forecaster
11/29/2020 - 06:45
Snowpack Observation 		Red Lake Peak (SW Shoulder)
Carson Pass Area 		Tour objective and snow profile location (arrow) This thermapen has seen more snowpacks than turkeys Sastrugi snow was widespread Public
11/28/2020 - 10:15
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Ridge
Donner Summit Area 		Shallow supportable snowpack with numerous but avoidable hazards. Previous wind scouring on the ridgetop leaving behind sastrugi formations. Previous wind scouring on E aspects at treeline and above treeline. Ridgetop drifts perched above W aspect from previous E winds. W aspect pit location. Forecaster
11/27/2020 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Deep Creek
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		Public
11/27/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Wind affected slopes in exposed terrain Lots of bushes and creeks at the lower elevations Snowpit showing a shallow but mostly supportable snowpack More creeks and bushes at low elevations Forecaster
11/26/2020 - 08:15
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Pass
Donner Summit Area 		Graupel on small surface hoar in meadow area Public
11/25/2020 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Cloud cover along the Sierra Crest with mostly light SW winds below 8000'. Snow available for transport in near treeline terrain. Great opportunity for avalanche rescue practice. Avalanche rescue practice. Forecaster
11/24/2020 - 11:45
Snowpack Observation 		Elephant's Hump
Carson Pass Area 		Snow surface mix of 4mm graupel and 10mm SH. Snow surface mix of 4mm graupel and 10mm SH. Forecaster

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