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
12/30/2021 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Castle and Andesite Peaks

Donner Summit Area
Thin surface crust at lower elevations on open slopes. There was another similar crust about 30 cm below the surface. ECTN on an east-facing wind-loaded test slope at about 8200 ft. Settlement cracks at the base of trees indicating consolidation in the recent snow. 1.5 to 2 ft of rime ice on the windward side of trees at 9000 ft. A surface rime crust was widespread above 8000 ft. Castle stayed in the clouds for the afternoon and visibility was poor. Large cornices had broken away from the ridges leaving deep cracks behind. Cornice pieces and ski cuts on wind-loaded test slopes did not produce signs of instability. Forecaster
12/30/2021 - 12:45

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Small cornice on Andesite Ridge Cornice formation on Andesite Peak Educator

Tahoe Mountain Scho
12/30/2021 - 12:30

Avalanche Observation
Above Red Lake just below the Knob

Carson Pass Area
Public
12/30/2021 - 12:15

Avalanche Observation
Mt. Rose

Mount Rose Area
Wind slab depth 8-12” Public
12/30/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Third Creek

Mount Rose Area
Professional Observer
12/30/2021 - 11:01

Snowpack Observation
Echo peak

Echo Summit Area
Public
12/30/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Incline Lake Peak

Mount Rose Area
Small cracking in wind loaded terrain on small cornice feature. Large cornices built out on upper ridgeline Patchy surface hoar found on upper portions of peak Forecaster
12/30/2021 - 10:30

Snowpack Observation
Flagpole Peak

Echo Summit Area
Public
12/30/2021 - 09:00

Snowpack Observation
Mt Tallac

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Large cracking of cornice with redline outline downhill piece Large crack at least 12’ deep Wind and blowing snow on Tallac Public
12/29/2021 - 14:00

Snowpack Observation
Powderhouse Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Settlement cones and cracking were visible throughout the area. At the very top of Powderhouse there was minor cracking one the most wind loaded features. Earlier in the day blowing snow and cloud cover obscured the views above treeline, but the wind reduced and visibility improved later. First pocket of blue. Someone has impressive snow monster skills. Professional Observer
12/29/2021 - 12:45

Avalanche Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Small, 4-inch-deep, soft wind slab avalanche triggered from my ski track about 20 ft away. 6-inch deep soft wind slab triggered by a ski cut on this test slope. 3-4 inch deep wind slab triggered by a ski cut on this wind-loaded test slope. Rimed trees along the E Ridge of Tamarack. Forecaster
12/29/2021 - 12:12

Avalanche Observation
Johnson Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Side view of small wind slab Top view of small wind slab shooting crack on small test slope Educator

West Wind Collecti
12/29/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
South Camp Peak

East Shore Area
Professional Observer
12/29/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Waterhouse Peak

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
A very small, shallow wind slab on a test slope near the summit of Waterhouse It took my whole probe to measure height of snow near the summit: 300cm. Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
12/29/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Incline Peak

Mount Rose Area
Kicking off cornice on test slope triggered small D1 wind slab avalanche with a 2" crown Kicking off cornice on test slope triggered small D1 wind slab avalanche with a 2" crown Naturally occurring cracks within the new storm snow on a convex rollover (trigger point) Skin track refilled after a few hours out Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio

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