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
03/19/2021 - 13:28

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
crown below cornice fall triggered Avalanche Debris Side view of crown Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
03/19/2021 - 13:20

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Public
03/19/2021 - 12:30

Avalanche Observation
Galena Peak

Mount Rose Area
Public
03/19/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Large cornices broke easily with ski kicks well back from their edges. Shooting crack in a wind-loaded area near the summit of Castle above the skin track. This photo came from another party we encountered on our tour. Low visibility due to blowing snow and clouds near the summit of Castle Peak. A small cornice piece entrained some new snow as a sluff as it slid down this test slope. Large cornice pieces that triggered some cracking in the slope below. Forecaster
03/19/2021 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Forecaster
03/19/2021 - 11:45

Snowpack Observation
Crater Lake

Carson Pass Area
Public
03/19/2021 - 10:10

Avalanche Observation
Mini Hump

Carson Pass Area
Crown View from the skin track Public
03/19/2021 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Becker Ridge

Echo Summit Area
Heavy snow spackled trees along Echo Lake Road. Very small cracking in some areas where new snow was shallow and older snow was wet. Looking at the new snow. No propagation observed here. All the snow around the older crusts was moist in this location and easily formed snowballs. Surface conditions were enjoyable but heavy. Around 1030 Hwy 50 over Echo Summit was completely clear of snow and wet (it had been snow covered before 8am). Professional Observer
03/18/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Ophir Peak

Mount Rose Area
Dark clouds and warm temperatures. Wet surface snow below around 8500' on northerly aspects ECTX on existing upper snowpack. Forecaster
03/17/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Genoa Peak

East Shore Area
Professional Observer
03/17/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Cloud cover drastically slowing snow surface melt. Breakable melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and flat terrain. Surface melt-freeze crust formed in the past 24 hours. Minor amounts of surface wet snow formation on a wind protected, below treeline, open E aspect, at about 7,700'. Forecaster
03/16/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
Minor wind slab on E aspect at treeline. Snow surface becoming wet on E aspect at 9,000' just before 11 am. More significant surface wet snow developing on low angle N aspect at 7,500' at 12:15 pm. Forecaster
03/16/2021 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Shirley Canyon

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
03/16/2021 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Crag Peak

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
12:00 pm with additional loose wet avalanches having occurred since the first photo at 10:45 am 10:45 am with a few loose wet avalanches present. Forecaster
03/16/2021 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Horse Meadow

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Professional Observer

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