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
12/23/2021 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
The largest wind slab we saw. It was triggered by a backpack size piece of cornice kicked onto the slope. Another view of that same avalanche. The crown was about 1 ft deep at the deepest. Two smaller wind slab on a nearby test slope. The lower one was triggered by a ski kick and the upper one by an oven sized piece of cornice. Alternate view of the test slope avalanches. The crown height on these was between 8 and 12 inches. Forecaster
02/20/2013 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
, , Professional Observer
04/28/2023 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
D1 wet loose avalanche triggered by a ski cut above the slope on an ENE aspect @ 11:00 am Small sluff of wet snow triggered by a ski kick above the slope @10:45 am. Another small wet loose avalanche triggered by a ski cut above a NE facing slope @ 11:15 am. Ankle-deep wet snow on an E aspect at 10:15 am. Runnels in the snow surface indicating melt water draining through the snowpack Forecaster
02/28/2015 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Professional Observer
01/08/2014 - 10:55

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Forecaster
01/20/2017 - 15:45

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
D2 Wind slab avalanche triggered by a small cornice piece
Small avalanche triggered by a larger piece of cornice
Cracking in the storm snow on in below treeline terrain
Forecaster
01/08/2023 - 11:30

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Public
02/12/2019 - 11:45

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Moderate amounts of blowing snow noted as we approached near treeline terrain. Skin track refill in above treeline terrain. Skier triggered shooting crack 20 ft long and 1 ft deep in wind slab on test slope. Another party's snowboard cut did not produce results on this wind loaded slope. Forecaster
03/07/2021 - 13:58

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Public
12/01/2018 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
One of several natural wind slab avalanches on Andesite Peak, E aspect, ~8,100'. Cracking triggered while breaking trail below treeline. Early signs of the instability in the area. The first wind loaded feature we approached at treeline, E aspect,~7,900'. Intentional remote skier triggered avalanche. View from triggering location. 20' shooting crack to where avalanche occurred. Pointing to far flank on the large bump in low visibility. 20' skier triggered shooting crack in near treeline terrain, ENE aspect. Another natural wind slab avalanche, above treeline terrain, ENE aspect, ~8,100'. Still another natural wind slab avalanche, above treeline terrain, ENE aspect, ~8,100'. Wide propagation with the far flank about 2/3rds of the way across the open slope in the background. Easily 200' wide. Forecaster
12/18/2016 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
NE wind scouring at 8200' Andesite Peak4'' recent storm snow over firm rain crust.  Faceting occuring around recent rain crust.NE wind scouring at 8200' E aspect of peak. Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho
03/06/2019 - 13:00

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Right flank of slide Left flank of slide Public
12/13/2020 - 13:30

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Public
03/31/2013 - 10:15

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Forecaster
01/15/2017 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho

Pages