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
04/11/2020 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Relay Peak

Mount Rose Area
ECTX on persistent weak layer at site of skier triggered avalanche on April 8. Recent NE winds have scoured most exposed terrain near and above treeline. Light wind drifting along ridges. A thin, but firm crust softened quickly this morning. Forecaster
04/11/2020 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Echo Peak

Echo Summit Area
At approximately 9:30 am open east facing snow at 7000 feet was soft. About a dozen small rollerballs were on top of the skin track (and folks had been up before me). Rollerballs naturally rolling at 10am on NE aspect at 8200 feet. Previous large loose wet slide in Angora bowl. Looks like it ran about 600 vertical feet. Soft snow near the summit of Echo Peak. This snow was unconsolidated new snow mush. Abundant rollerball activity on the upper wall. Runnels in lower Echo Bowl. Professional Observer
04/11/2020 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Public
04/11/2020 - 01:00

Avalanche Observation
Round Top & Elephants Back

Carson Pass Area
Public
04/10/2020 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
West gullies of Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
04/10/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
04/10/2020 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Ski kick triggered small loose wet snow avalanche on a small test slope at 11:15. ECTN on a N facing slope. We had an ECTX at another location on north facing terrain. Runnels on the snow surface on N-NE facing slopes. Breakable crust on top of wet snow was widespread on northerly aspects. Forecaster
04/09/2020 - 15:00

Avalanche Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
D1.5 - D2 Skier triggered loose wet avalanches Sluffs of loose wet snow near rocks. Smaller loose wet avalanches near rocks. Forecaster
04/09/2020 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Relay Peak

Mount Rose Area
Doing snowpit tests in the crown of yesterday's avalanche. Windy conditions on the ridge. There are still cornices over E facing slopes. Looking up from the toe of the debris. Notice the large blocks of debris. Forecaster
04/08/2020 - 12:45

Avalanche Observation
Relay Peak

Mount Rose Area
Public
04/08/2020 - 12:30

Avalanche Observation
Mt Tallac

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
04/08/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Slab Cliffs

Mount Rose Area
ECTP - 22 to 23 taps down 44 to 56cm on underside of crust. Small loose wet avalanches on north aspects below 8600'. 2x ECTPV on small 4-6'' wind slabs from E winds at noted pin drop on ob. Location of ECTP's in same location as previous observation on Monday April 6. ECTX and ECTN-22 on buried weak layer below crust.  ECTN-25 on buried weak layer. Another ECTN on buried weak layer. Forecaster
04/08/2020 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Frog Lake Ridge

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
04/08/2020 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Powderhouse Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Blowing snow could be observed on the Little Round Top ridgeline. The crust below the new snow can be observed about 54 cms below surface. ECTP 30 down 54 cms. Professional Observer
04/07/2020 - 14:00

Avalanche Observation
Talking Mountain

Echo Summit Area
Public

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