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
11/15/2022 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area 		East winds scouring east facing slopes and blowing snow onto west facing slopes. A small shallow pocket of wind-drifted snow on the west side of Andesite. It did not extend very far away from the ridge and it was difficult to make it crack. I had to under cut it first. More east wind transport along the summit of Andesite Peak This image shows some buried surface hoar mixed in with other snow grains. I found this thin layer about 3-4 inches (10cm) below the surface in a meadow. Forecaster
11/15/2022 - 11:45
Snowpack Observation 		Elephant's Hump
Carson Pass Area 		Hard wind slab over faceted snow at treeline on NE-E aspect terrain. Elephant's Back, scoured by NE winds. S aspects of Red Lake Peak, scoured by NE winds. Forecaster
11/15/2022 - 11:30
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse peak
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Surface hoar @ 7800 at bottom of trailhead. Non-compressible dry snow, felt like near surface facets forming. Pit profile @ 8800' on north aspect. 2-3mm surface hoar above 9000' near tree line. Wet-compressible snow under rain crust in pit profile. Wind features near tree line with surface hoar and new precipitation particles on surface. Ghost tracks that were filled in from recent winds. Professional Observer
11/14/2022 - 11:00
Snowpack Observation 		Silver Peak
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		We found widespread surface hoar on the the snow surface. The ridgeline showed signs of wind scouring on both sides of the ridge. Wind affected surfaces on the NE side of the ridge. Forecaster
11/12/2022 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Elephant's Hump
Carson Pass Area 		There are multiple small streams and areas of open water in the area. This skin track was actively refilling with blowing snow made up of new snow fragments & graupel. On sunny aspects a breakable melt freeze crust was present. Grass and rocks poking up on a south facing wind swept slope. Looking up at Elephant's Back. The plumes of blowing snow were impressive in person. This established skin track is completely obscured just past the trees b/c it was filled in by blowing snow. A small area of wind slab in near tree line terrain. The old road that climbs up to Carson Pass from Red Lake has enough coverage to travel via skis but just barely. Looking down on Red Lake and Red Lake Peak. Professional Observer
11/11/2022 - 11:58
Snowpack Observation 		Below Judah peak
Donner Summit Area 		Public
11/11/2022 - 11:02
Snowpack Observation 		Mt. Judah
Donner Summit Area 		Public
11/11/2022 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Meiss Meadow
Carson Pass Area 		Public
11/10/2022 - 14:15
Snowpack Observation 		Red Lake Peak
Carson Pass Area 		Red Lake cirque and non-frozen lake. Pit profile @ 8800' on N aspect. Ice crust at bottom of snow pack. Widespread riming event above ~9000. Small cornice release. Hand pit on 3-4" wind slab that released pretty easy but not planar. Professional Observer
11/10/2022 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Lincoln Ridge
Yuba Pass Area 		Surface hoar formed during the cold, calm clear night in most open areas. Cracks around the base of trees indicating snowpack settlement since the storm Wind scoured surfaces existed along the ridges. ECTN on a 30°, north-facing, wind-loaded slope. The wind slab did not show signs of instabilty. Oven-sized cornice pieces dropped on a wind-loaded slope did not produce any signs of instability. Lots of bushes and other obstacles still exist. Forecaster
11/10/2022 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Rubicon
West Shore Area 		Public
11/10/2022 - 11:37
Avalanche Observation 		Sierra at tahoe
Echo Summit Area 		Public
11/10/2022 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Old Iron Mountain ski area
Outside of the Forecast Area 		75-80cm snow depth observed CTM shear after 5 elbow hinged hand taps Compression consistent with short duration, high volume snowfall. Public
11/09/2022 - 15:15
Avalanche Observation 		Grouse Rock
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area 		Wind Slab Pocket - ~25' wide w/ a 18"+ crown. Old cornice failure Guide
Alpenglow Expeditio
11/09/2022 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Wind scoured ridgeline Basal old snow layer near ground with recent Mon-Wed storm snow on top Forecaster

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