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
12/29/2022 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack
Mount Rose Area 		Public
12/29/2022 - 11:00
Avalanche Observation 		Lincoln Ridge
Yuba Pass Area 		Successful intentional trigger of a wind slab avalanche on a small test slope. Wind slab on test slope with slab up to 1 foot thick. Natural wind slab avalanche from earlier this morning. Blocky hard slab debris not very visible in this photo. Cornice hazard kept us from getting a better look at this avalanche. Today's wind slab density change (harder over softer) was easy to find in hand pits. Impressive cornice overhang looming further up the ridge, Above about 7,300', depth of recent storm snow on top of the rain crust began increasing. Rain crust exposed by wind scouring on the ridgetop. Forecaster
12/28/2022 - 15:15
Snowpack Observation 		Castle Peak S aspect @ 8,200'
Donner Summit Area 		Heavy ice and riming on branches at 8,200' Guide
Blackbird Mountain Guid
12/28/2022 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon
West Shore Area 		Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/28/2022 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Rain/Snow line was clearly visible at 7000 to 7200 ft on the drive over to Tamarack. Settlement cones had already started to form around trees indicating settlement and consolidation in the storm snow. The shovel tilt test did reveal a break at the base of the storm snow, but we did not see any buried surface hoar at that break. In addition to our general observations, ECT's and Compression tests did not show any signs of lingering instability in sheltered areas. Snowpit data and general observations taken near a natural avalanche that failed on 12/27 also did not show any signs of lingering instability in wind-loaded terrain. Forecaster
12/28/2022 - 11:55
Avalanche Observation 		Hidden Peak
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Public
12/28/2022 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Small cornice collapse on Andesite Ridge PS 5-10 cm at all elevations Guide
International Alpine Guid
12/28/2022 - 11:24
Snowpack Observation 		Talking Mountain
Echo Summit Area 		East face of Talking Mountain. Large hard debris chunks from over hanging wind feature. Shovel tilt showing planar result within new storm snow. Mid-slope wind drift facing E-NE. Wet loose on the way up echo summit above gun tower. Crown line between the black box on Mt. Ralston. Mix of surface hoar and rimed precipitation particles on all aspects up to 8700'. Professional Observer
12/28/2022 - 11:01
Avalanche Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/28/2022 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon Peak
West Shore Area 		Public
12/28/2022 - 09:56
Avalanche Observation 		Mt Rose Campground
Mount Rose Area 		Public
12/28/2022 - 06:00
Avalanche Observation 		Elephant's Back
Carson Pass Area 		Photo taken from the flat entrance to the bowl Pano taken from site of the crown profile Looking down from the mid-slope bench Looking back up from the end of the debris. Crown profile in the shade top right Professional Observer
12/28/2022 - 05:00
Avalanche Observation 		Castle Peak
Donner Summit Area 		Natural D2 wind slab avalanche on N. Side of Castle Peak. Natural wind slab from cornice collapse at 8000' on E aspect. Natural D2 wind slab avalanche on N. Side of Castle Peak. Forecaster
12/27/2022 - 15:00
Avalanche Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Forecaster
12/27/2022 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		1' of new storm snow above 8500' with wet rain soaked snow below. Poor visibility with blowing snow on summit ridge above 9200' Mud flow in steep gully feature on Hwy 89 between Palisades Tahoe and Truckee Poor visibility with blowing snow on summit ridge above 9200' Forecaster

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