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
01/03/2023 - 15:00
Snowpack Observation 		Ward Creek
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Snow below the recent rain layer remained wet Very small surface hoar on the surface near a creek, but nothing under it No snow on tree tops due to winds Professional Observer
01/03/2023 - 15:00
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Public
01/03/2023 - 12:16
Avalanche Observation 		Red lake peak
Carson Pass Area 		Public
01/03/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Jakes Peak
West Shore Area 		Blowing snow increasing into the afternoon New wind slab formation occurring into the early afternoon. Light surface wind crust throughout this area. Previous wind scouring. Small wind slabs forming and becoming reactive on the summit ridge. Forecaster
01/03/2023 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		bench below echo peak
Echo Summit Area 		Public
01/03/2023 - 10:14
Snowpack Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Intense wind loading near and above tree line. Old debris large piles off cornice line on S facing aspects in Red Lake cirque. Isolated surface hoar growth below tree line. 270cm HS @ 8700' on N aspect. Recent debris pile from wind slab @ 1100. Natural wind slab release within the hour of digging a pit. Large banner of snow off of Stevens Peak @ 1315. Professional Observer
01/03/2023 - 09:20
Snowpack Observation 		Old Iron Mountain ski area
Outside of the Forecast Area 		Public
01/02/2023 - 13:33
Snowpack Observation 		Spooner Summit
East Shore Area 		Public
01/02/2023 - 12:30
Snowpack Observation 		Hidden peak
West Shore Area 		Public
01/02/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Blue Lakes
Carson Pass Area 		Plumes of blowing snow visible from surrounding peaks in the morning Unusual south facing cornice/wind roll Signs of settlement on many trees Lots of water in meadows, and rushing streams indicating rain event still flowing through snowpack Professional Observer
01/02/2023 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Lincoln Ridge
Yuba Pass Area 		ECTN on a low elevation N facing slope. The rain layer is visible under about 2 ft of new snow. We found some small surface hoar in isolated areas. Settlement cones around around trees indicated settlement and consolidation in the storm snow. Settlement cones around around trees indicated settlement and consolidation in the storm snow. Areas typically wind loaded by SW winds had been scoured by NE winds. As the winds switched back to the SW this afternoon they started to get wind-loaded again. Lenticular clouds and more consistent cloud cover moving into the area ahead of the next storm. Evidence of wind scouring by NE winds. Areas typically wind loaded by SW winds had been scoured by NE winds. As the winds switched back to the SW this afternoon they started to get wind-loaded again. Forecaster
01/01/2023 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Public
01/01/2023 - 13:30
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse Observation
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Wind effect along the summit ridge. Significant settlement could be seen in the numerous and relatively large settlement cones around trees. Trees along the summit ridge were covered in fine rime from previous westerly winds. Evidence of east wind effect in below treeline terrain near the summit. Professional Observer
01/01/2023 - 13:30
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Valley
Donner Summit Area 		Snowpack is getting deep! NE Aspect, 7500', 85+ cm of new storm snow, felt bottomless today. Textured wind effected snow surface on ridgelines. 3-4 inch wind crust Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
01/01/2023 - 10:30
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak and Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Recent new snow wind scoured away, leaving exposed rain crust on an E aspect near treeline. Wind scouring on E aspect terrain, exposing rain crust with runnels. Wind scouring on E aspect terrain, exposing rain crust with runnels. Old long cracks and drifting snow along the ridgetop between Castle Pass and Andesite Peak. 3 inches or so of storm snow settlement overnight. Forecaster

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