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
04/07/2017 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Powderhouse Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Snow levels increased substantially with elevation. This was from 8500 feet where about 10 inches of new snow was present on top of a still wet old snow interface.Wind effected snow surface in a below tree line opening. Although evidence of wind effect increased near 9000 feet, no significant propagation observed even on undercut test slopes.Wet snow under new cold snow at lower elevations created these frozen ice forms on pole tips. Professional Observer
04/06/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Elephant's Hump

Carson Pass Area
Cracking of thin and weak surface melt-freeze crust just beneath new snow.Roller balls from ski cuts on test slope. Forecaster
04/05/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Jake's Peak

West Shore Area
2 to 4 inches of corn snow on top of a thin melt-freeze crust on a ESE aspect at 8000 ft. around 11:10 amMid-shin deep wet snow on a SE aspect at 12:30 pm at around 7600 ft. Forecaster
04/05/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
S. Maggie's Peak

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Large Glide Cracks on S. Maggie's Public
04/04/2017 - 11:45

Snowpack Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Deep holes down to flowing creeks1 to 2 inches of corn snow on top of a supportable melt-freeze crust on a SW aspect at 8200 ft. around 11:45 amAnkle deep wet snow on a SW aspect around 7600 ft. around noonWidespread cloud cover looking south from Castle Peak around 11:40 amSunny skies looking north from Castle Peak around 11:40 am Forecaster
04/04/2017 - 00:00

Snowpack Observation
Squaw Ridge

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
04/03/2017 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
7800' on E aspect at 12:30pm.  Supportive snowpack with minimal boot pen. Forecaster
04/03/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Ralston

Echo Summit Area
Professional Observer
04/02/2017 - 10:15

Snowpack Observation
Seneca Chutes

Echo Summit Area
Under tree cover, the overnight freeze on south east facing slopes was minimal as off 8:30am.Shallow loose wet activity occurred in response to ski cuts on steep south facing slopes at 10:15am. Large cornices with old debris on Echo Peak looking ominous during the warmth of the day.Huge holes around creeks in this area and crossing Angora Creek is getting more difficult. Professional Observer
04/01/2017 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Negro Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Surface had just begun to soften at 10:45 with ski penetration being 2-3 cm Guide

Tahoe Mountain Scho
04/01/2017 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Flagpole Peak

Echo Summit Area
2 inches of wet corn snow on top of a frozen supportable crust at 11 am on an E aspect at around 7500 ft. Very small wind slab bordering a wind-scoured icy rain crust on a NE aspect at 8200 ft. Shin deep unsupportable wet snow on an E aspect at 11:50 am at 7400 ft.Shin deep unsupportable wet snow on an E aspect at 11:50 am at 7400 ft. Forecaster
04/01/2017 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
South Side Jakes Peak

West Shore Area
Minor roller ball activity where wind blown snow existed.  8600', SE aspect. Forecaster
03/31/2017 - 13:50

Avalanche Observation
Relay peak

Mount Rose Area
Public
03/31/2017 - 10:30

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake Peak

Mount Rose Area
Wind scoured icy crust and wind affected new snow14 to 16 inch deep wind slab on a small SW facing wind loaded test slope in an open area near or below treeline.Cracking on a wind-loaded S facing test slope near the summit of Incline Lake Peak.Cracking on a wind-loaded SE facing test slope near the summit of Incline Lake Peak. Forecaster
03/31/2017 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Jakes Peak

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Below 7000 feet there was 1-2 cms of new snow. Around 7800 feet enough snow east winds were moving fresh snow. Above 8000 feet wind slab was widely observed. Professional Observer

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