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
02/23/2017 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tallac
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) 		Settlement cones and cracking. Large cornices looming over the Corkscrew slide path. Very small natural loose snow slides observed near these cornices.Loose dry avalanche on a steeper slope holding impressive powder. Professional Observer
02/23/2017 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Tamarack Peak
Mount Rose Area 		Small natural cornice failure on Prolitariate Bowl. 9750', E aspect.Cornice kicks on test slopes produced no signs of slab propagation.Wind slabs were forming from NW winds on E-SE-S-SW aspects with small localized cracking.NW winds scouring ridgelines and loading E aspects in this area. Forecaster
02/23/2017 - 07:00
Snowpack Observation 		Relay Peak Recreation Area
Mount Rose Area 		Public
02/22/2017 - 13:00
Snowpack Observation 		Silver Peak
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area 		Cornice piece dropped onto a wind-loaded slope. It only triggered sluffing in the new snow and rolled down the slope.Settlement cracks around a treeWind scouring on a N-NE aspect near the Silver ridgeline Forecaster
02/22/2017 - 12:00
Snowpack Observation 		Hope Valley
Carson Pass Area 		Professional Observer
02/22/2017 - 10:00
Snowpack Observation 		Powderhouse
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel) 		Settlement cones and associated cracking were frequently observed.Near treeline the surface snow was clearly wind affected. Above treeline on an exposed ridge large windrifts were common.These wind loaded steep slopes were highly reactive to a skiers weight.In the trees on the edge of a ridge a small slope released a wind slab. This below treeline (but near an open ridge) slope produced a wind slab that ran approximately 50 feet. Professional Observer
02/22/2017 - 03:10
Avalanche Observation 		Little Gold Lake
Outside of the Forecast Area 		Lakes Basin
 Public
02/21/2017 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Hidden Peak
West Shore Area 		Shooting cracks on a wind-loaded test slope @ 8600 ft. ECTN 15 at the upper density change in the storm snowECTN 21 at the lower density change in the storm snow Forecaster
02/21/2017 - 01:00
Avalanche Observation 		Corkscrew slide path
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Toe of the debris.
Huge blocks in the debris.
Looking up from the highest point of the debris.
Looking down on the debris from higher on the edge of the Corkscrew path.
 Professional Observer
02/20/2017 - 15:06
Avalanche Observation 		Hidden/Jakes
West Shore Area
Public
02/20/2017 - 12:00
Avalanche Observation 		Andesite Ridge
Donner Summit Area
Natural storm slab, 46 degree slope, NE aspect, 7500'.
Avalanche debris running through trees.
 Forecaster
02/20/2017 - 11:32
Snowpack Observation 		north facing slope adjacent to Lake Alpine
Bear Valley Area 		Public
02/20/2017 - 10:50
Avalanche Observation 		Andesite Peak
Donner Summit Area
Initial cracks triggered by kicking on the upper part of slope which caused the avalanche down lower at the mid slope convexity.
Initial cracks triggered by kicking on the upper part of slope which caused the avalanche down lower at the mid slope convexity.
The small avalanche in which skier was caught.
Red lines over crown of lower avalanche that occurred before ski pole drop. Green line over crown of small avalanche that carried skier.
Skier with deployed airbag after being carried 200 vertical feet by small avalanche, no burial.
 Forecaster
02/19/2017 - 15:02
Snowpack Observation 		Carpenter Ridge
Independence Lake Area 		Public
02/19/2017 - 14:00
Snowpack Observation 		Andesite Ridge
Donner Summit Area 		Guide
Tahoe Mountain Scho

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