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
12/26/2018 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Munchkins Zone - East Bowl
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Looking south down the ridge. Scoured western slopes and small cornices on the eastern slopes Small cornice broke easily after second kick. Cornice break from underneath. Public
12/26/2018 - 12:15
Snowpack Observation 		Deep Creek
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		No signs of wind effect in open areas below treeline, ~7,900 N aspect'. Minimal signs of wind effect from NE winds on ridgetop at ~8,000'. F hard surface snow with micro-sastrugi. Some exposed rain crust just visible reflecting on the cornice top in upper Pole Creek. Forecaster
12/25/2018 - 15:00
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		ECTP 12 on the summit pitch ascending Castle Peak The slab above the pit cracked quite easily. Another quick pit. ECTP 18 farther up in the NW trees of castle peak. 200 vertical feet below the highest trees on that slope skiers right side. Public
12/25/2018 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Thunder Mtn
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
12/25/2018 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		1.2 miles west of white rock lake
Independence Lake Area 		Public
12/25/2018 - 03:00
Snowpack Observation 		Fireplug
Mount Rose Area 		Public
12/24/2018 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
12/24/2018 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Stormy conditions at Tamarack. Skier triggered crack on a small wind loaded test slope. New wind slab on top of older hard wind slab on top of old weak surface snow. 3 inches of snow on the hood of the truck after we returned from the tour. Forecaster
12/24/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Donner Pass
Donner Summit Area 		Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/23/2018 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Scott’s peak
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		Public
12/23/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Peak 8040'
Yuba Pass Area 		Several slope cuts did not produce any signs of instabilities. At 8000', 1'' rain crust existed near the surface with soft snow below. Forecaster
12/22/2018 - 15:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Educator
Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/22/2018 - 15:00
Snowpack Observation 		Shirley Canyon
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		Guide
Alpenglow Expeditio
12/22/2018 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Elephant's Back
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
12/22/2018 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Wind scouring on a windward slope in near treeline terrain The largest wind slab we saw. It was only 3 to 4 inches deep and only extended 3 to 4 ft. downslope from the ridge. Forecaster

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