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
12/01/2022 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Cracking where the new snow failed on the old facets on a previously undercut slope on an E-facing meadow below treeline. Near treeline avalanche path with facets below the new snow. We did not go into this area. Cracking in the new wind loaded snow on a wind-loaded test in exposed upper elevation terrain. Small wind slab failure on a wind loaded test slope in exposed upper elevation terrain. This failed on a weakness within the storm snow. Poor visibility caused by clouds and blowing snow. There are still plenty of rocks near the surface in this area. Forecaster
12/01/2022 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Lincoln Ridge

Yuba Pass Area
Remotely triggered avalanche failing on near surface facets from 300' away. Part of shooting cracks that traveled 500' through northerly terrain of varying steepness, down to near surface facet layer. More shooting cracks above steep slope. More shooting cracks down to near surface facets. Forecaster
11/30/2022 - 11:54

Snowpack Observation
Carson Pass

Carson Pass Area
Low snow totals looking towards Meiss Meadow and Little Round Top. Old wind effected snow that has softened up through faceting. Snow pit profile @ 8800' on NE aspect. Professional Observer
11/30/2022 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Grouse Rocks

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Brandon looking at the facets under the wind crust in exposed upper elevation terrain. Weak faceted snow existed on the surface near the ridgeline in areas where trees offered any protection from the winds. Soft weak snow also existed under a thin wind crust on an exposed E aspect near the ridgeline. Soft, weak, faceted snow on a shady N aspect in below treeeline terrain. Soft weak snow under a melt freeze crust on a SE aspect. Lenticular clouds and wind indicating the approaching storm. Forecaster
11/29/2022 - 15:00

Snowpack Observation
West of Grills

Little Truckee Summit Areas
Public
11/29/2022 - 13:22

Snowpack Observation
Pickett Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Snow melted down to dirt above 8500'. Large 3-5mm faceted grains from the ground up. No snow on the solar aspects of Thompson Peak. Surface hoar growth in open areas below tree line. Thin coverage below tree line with brush, logs, and rocks exposed. Professional Observer
11/29/2022 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Relay Peak - East Ridge

Mount Rose Area
Examples of terrain I will be avoiding during and after the next storm. Examples of terrain I will be avoiding during and after the next storm. About 4 or so inches of ski penetration into weak near surface facets. Forecaster
11/28/2022 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Lincoln Ridge

Yuba Pass Area
Note the ski penetration into faceted surface snow on this NE aspect, near treeline traditional avalanche start zone. One tiny pocket of wind slab with very weak facets below it on a NE aspect at treeline. A this weak melt-freeze crust was widespread on the surface in areas of both sun and shade below about 7,300'. Forecaster
11/27/2022 - 12:26

Snowpack Observation
Near Billy's Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Pit profile Coverage on Peak 8,761 Substantially less snow on the south facing, north side of Deep Creek Soft, faceted snow on the NNE face around 8,300', just off the crest Looking west, across the flanks of Tinker Knob towards the Royal Gorge Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
11/27/2022 - 12:11

Snowpack Observation
Angora peak

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
11/27/2022 - 11:24

Snowpack Observation
Shirley Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Facets below 1cm crust 35cm over ground with a base of ice Facets This ice is present under the snow pack, especially in lower ground where water runs Wind affected slab Wind affected slab Shooting cracks Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
11/27/2022 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
Coverage on the lower half of Mt. Judah was poor and the snow surfaces were highly variable. More rocks and other obstacles protruding through the snowpack. Some areas at mid elevations where wind-blown snow had collected had better covereage. The E face of Judah had been scoured and still has lots of exposed rocks. The snow continues to weaken, but still is not showing signs of instability since there is nothing on top of the weak snow. Forecaster
11/27/2022 - 10:30

Snowpack Observation
Crater Lake

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
11/26/2022 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Public
11/26/2022 - 13:34

Snowpack Observation
Elephants Back

Carson Pass Area
Trace amount of graupel on surface. Scoured ridge of Elephants Back. A look down at Red Lake and the service road. Thinning snow on Elephants Hump. No cornice build on Elephants Back. Isolated areas of breakable wind slabs. Professional Observer

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