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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