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
01/15/2020 - 12:15

Avalanche Observation
Signal Peak

Donner Summit Area
Small cliff ban to the lookers right of the affected slope is where I stopped.  Public
01/15/2020 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Rose Knob

Mount Rose Area
Consistent setup in this area.  4-6'' of recent storm snow on top of Jan 4 rain crust.  Weak faceted snow around this rain crust. Ski cuts on small wind loaded test slopes produced no results. Cornices were reactive, but no signs of wind slab failure on slope. Forecaster
01/15/2020 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Frog Lake

Carson Pass Area
In a near treeline ridge area, the 1/4 rain crust was still on the surface. Shooting cracks on a firm windslab. Thickness of wind slab (there were soft near surface facets below). Near the lowest point of our tour (around 8000 feet and well below treeline) there were pockets of wind slab. Professional Observer
01/15/2020 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
The only cracking observed was on undercut slopes Public
01/14/2020 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Peaklet South East of Quail Lake

West Shore Area
Public
01/14/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack - Fireplug Saddle

Mount Rose Area
Soft Wind Slabs Public
01/14/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Moderate to intense drifting snow onto N side of the E ridge of SIlver Pk. Lower end of drifting amounts experienced today. Cracking down to Jan 4 layer while breaking trail in wind protected below treeline terrain. Cracking down to Jan 4 layer while breaking trail in wind protected below treeline terrain. Forecaster
01/14/2020 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
Wind textured snow and blowing snow Cracking Re-loaded skin track Professional Observer
01/13/2020 - 12:45

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Cracking on an undercut skin track. Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho
01/13/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Active wind loading continuing over the higher ridges and peaks. Cracking on new cornice formation. Minor cracking in newly forming wind slabs today. Recent storm snow on top of the Jan 4 rain crust.  NE aspect at 7800' in open treed location. Forecaster
01/12/2020 - 20:15

Snowpack Observation
Relay drainages

Mount Rose Area
Public
01/12/2020 - 15:30

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
Wind blown snow coming over the ridge on a near treeline slope. Cornices building above Wildflower Ridge Forecaster
01/12/2020 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Blue Lakes

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
01/12/2020 - 13:15

Snowpack Observation
Castle Ridge

Donner Summit Area
Clouds moved in around noon and the ceiling dropped as low as 8000 feet. Wind was moving snow around over ridges and creating wind slab. Cornice chunks broken by a ski kick, but no propagation on slope below. Professional Observer
01/12/2020 - 13:15

Avalanche Observation
Johnson Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Public

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