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
12/14/2012 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse Rocks
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Forecaster
03/10/2016 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Barker Pass
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Forecaster
01/17/2020 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Munchkins Area
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Ski kick triggered shooting cracks on ENE facing wind-loaded slope. Skier triggered shooting cracks on N facing wind loaded slope. Skier triggered shooting cracks on a NW facing slope. Forecaster
03/27/2023 - 11:30
Avalanche Observation 		Isolated Convexity between Little Alaska and Twin Peaks
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Public
12/21/2013 - 11:35
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse Rocks
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Forecaster
02/13/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse Rock
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Wind scoured E aspect at 8300' on Grouse Rock.Very small superficial wind slab in near treeline terrainWind effected surface snow.Wind scoured N aspect at 8200'. Forecaster
11/30/2022 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse Rocks
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Brandon looking at the facets under the wind crust in exposed upper elevation terrain. Weak faceted snow existed on the surface near the ridgeline in areas where trees offered any protection from the winds. Soft weak snow also existed under a thin wind crust on an exposed E aspect near the ridgeline. Soft, weak, faceted snow on a shady N aspect in below treeeline terrain. Soft weak snow under a melt freeze crust on a SE aspect. Lenticular clouds and wind indicating the approaching storm. Forecaster
12/06/2017 - 12:31
Snowpack Observation 		Avi Gully "Munchkins"
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Public
12/10/2020 - 09:45
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse Rock
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Educator
Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/29/2016 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Polaris Point
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Buried surface hoar layer above the 12/15 NCF's.Close up of the buried surface hoar. Forecaster
02/06/2019 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Blackwood Ridge
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Signs of storm snow settlement, approaching 10 inches in some areas. Signs of previous wind transport near treeline. Wind loaded features that were unreactive to skier weight. Forecaster
12/16/2019 - 11:45
Avalanche Observation 		Ward Canyon ("Avagator" gully)
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Public
11/09/2022 - 15:15
Avalanche Observation 		Grouse Rock
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Wind Slab Pocket - ~25' wide w/ a 18"+ crown. Old cornice failure Guide
Alpenglow Expeditio
03/27/2019 - 13:45
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse Rock
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Snow structure in top 60cm @ 8200ft NE aspect Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
03/03/2018 - 15:15
Snowpack Observation 		Grouse rock
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Shooting crack on kick test Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho

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