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
04/18/2020 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Elephant's Graveyard

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
04/18/2020 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Wet heavy snow conditions on SE aspect 10am Public
04/17/2020 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Tallac

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
04/17/2020 - 10:30

Snowpack Observation
Jakes Peak

West Shore Area
Boot top deep wet snow at 8500 ft. at 10:30 am. Patchy snow coverage below 7200 ft. Overview of the east side of Jakes above 7200 ft. Forecaster
04/16/2020 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Houghton

Mount Rose Area
Runnels on the snow surface indicating water draining through the snowpack. Some clouds starting to build during the late morning. 2-3 inches of soft wet corn snow on top of a supportable melt freeze layer @ 10:20 am at 9800 ft. Creeks with flowing water are starting to melt out even at the upper elevations. Forecaster
04/16/2020 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Stevens Peak

Carson Pass Area
Solid overnight refreeze Despite an abundance of previous ski traffic, only a few loose wet slides at mid slope rocky rollover on an East aspect of Stevens. Many previous loose wet slides on steep rocky terrain on more North East aspects of Stevens. Skies were clear over Stevens for the duration of my tour but clouds were present to the south east. Professional Observer
04/16/2020 - 01:30

Snowpack Observation
Donner Peak/Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
Comparison snowpit. Two previous pits in foreground. Skier triggered cornice collapse from 4/15. Snowpit location Forecaster
04/15/2020 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Tallac

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Main bowl of Tallac with previous loose wet activity. The bottom of Corkscrew Forecaster
04/15/2020 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
04/14/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Lincoln Ridge

Yuba Pass Area
Strong and thick mf crust on the surface with some wet snow below on top of the buried surface hoar layer. Previous loose wet roller balls and cornice collapses. Forecaster
04/13/2020 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
Debris from recent cornice fall, likely occurred on Apr 10 or 11. Deep almost unsupportable wet snow on ESE aspect at about 8,000' around 11 am. Forecaster
04/13/2020 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Angora Peak

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Professional Observer
04/12/2020 - 15:30

Snowpack Observation
Ralston lightning strikes

Echo Summit Area
Educator

Lake Tahoe Community College - Wilderness Educati
04/12/2020 - 14:00

Avalanche Observation
Mt. Price

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Forecaster
04/12/2020 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Yuba Pass

Yuba Pass Area
Breakable surface crust from weak refreeze. Surface crust nearly all melted in sunny areas at 9:45 am. Easily triggered roller balls and pinwheels on a NE aspect at about 7,000'. Large pinwheel intentionally triggered from the slope above. March 24 buried surface hoar layer still a concern. March 24 surface hoar crystals under 10x magnification. Forecaster

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