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
03/15/2021 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Cornice kicks released loose dry sluffing within the new storm snow with no propagation. More loose dry sluffing with little wind slab development observed. Natural loose dry sluffing below cornice Forecaster
03/14/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Elephants Back

Carson Pass Area
Public
03/14/2021 - 11:15

Snowpack Observation
Talking Mountain

Echo Summit Area
Wind affected snow surfaces in open areas in near and above treeline terrain Mostly cloudy skies throughout the morning Wind scoured areas on the Talking - Becker ridgeline Melt-freeze crusts and frozen surfaces on the southerly aspects. Runnels in the snow surface indicating drainage through the snowpack on a sunny SE facinng slope Forecaster
03/13/2021 - 16:30

Avalanche Observation
Shirley Canyon

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Small loose wet avalanche in Shirley Canyon around 3:00pm, on a west aspect near 6700' 12-18" pinwheels in moist snow on a short north-facing slope in Shirley Canyon, around 6700' Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
03/13/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
The Nipple

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
03/13/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Ophir Creek

Mount Rose Area
N aspects with decent wind protection held unconsolidated recent storm snow. Breakable melt-freeze crust on flat terrain at 9,000' at 9:50am. Solar aspect progressive surface melt at 9,000'. Forecaster
03/12/2021 - 12:35

Snowpack Observation
Stanford Rock

Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Public
03/12/2021 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Carpenter Peak

Independence Lake Area
NE wind scouring on North bowl of Carpenter Peak Blowing snow with small cornice formation and small wind slabs on southerly aspects Dropping cornice chunks on slopes produced no results Moderate blowing snow on exposed ridges and peak Looking north Forecaster
03/12/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
03/11/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Tallac

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Loose dry sluffing was common in steeper terrain Small shooting cracks in wind loaded terrain. Mixed weather-periods of sun, low level clouds, and light snow throughout day. Looking north towards the West Shore Forecaster
03/11/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Powderhouse

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Snow pit profile small dry loose slides observed in the highlighted area Public
03/11/2021 - 10:16

Snowpack Observation
Powderhouse

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Testing a steep slope below tree line. No results even after undercutting test slope. Pretty opening near the edge of treelike with very little evidence of wind. While new snow was only a few inches deep near the road, on the loaded side of the summit ridge there was over a foot of soft new snow. No evidence of slab behavior on this above tree line slope. Limited reactivity on very steep test slopes along the ridge and no propagation observed beyond my ski. Professional Observer
03/11/2021 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Johnson Canyon

Donner Summit Area
Public
03/10/2021 - 22:30

Avalanche Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Wind slab avalanche intentionally triggered. Only 4 to 6 inches deep but propagated 25 ft wide. Shooting cracks up to 10' long in wind loaded area. Ridgetop skin tracks nearly fully erased after an hour. Steep, wind loaded N aspect terrain that we watched another party descend into, possibly triggering an avalanche. Forecaster
03/10/2021 - 14:30

Snowpack Observation
Incline Peak

Mount Rose Area
Public

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