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
12/17/2016 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
NE winds scouring N/NE aspects and moving snow along ridge.Settlement cones throughout area. Forecaster
12/17/2016 - 08:50

Snowpack Observation
Elephant's Back

Carson Pass Area
 Wind scouring and ice on north-ridgeNorth East/ East bowl showed sign of wind loading. Snow was punchy with a 2-3 inch crust on similar aspects. We decided not to ski the bowl.   Public
12/16/2016 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
PST that failed while isolating the column on the facet layer 160 below the surfaceECTP 25 on a softer snow layer below yesterdays rain crust.Small 4-6 inch wind slab on a NE facing wind loaded test slope. Forecaster
12/16/2016 - 12:30

Avalanche Observation
East Face of Judah

Donner Summit Area
Viewed from the top of Donner Peak
Guide

Alpenglow Expeditio
12/16/2016 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Small localized cracking in wind loaded terrain.  E aspect 8200'Small cornice kicks did not cause any wind slab failure.  8200', E aspect.ECTN and ECTP in wind loaded E aspect.  8200'.Cracking around skis into non frozen rain crust Forecaster
12/16/2016 - 12:20

Snowpack Observation
South side of Relay Ridge

Mount Rose Area
Public
12/16/2016 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Southwest of Red Lake Peak

Carson Pass Area
Public
12/16/2016 - 10:30

Snowpack Observation
Frog Lake

Carson Pass Area
Cracking was observed near ridges, cornices, and steep rollovers. Small cornice  drops did not propagate on slope below. Professional Observer
12/16/2016 - 07:00

Avalanche Observation
Bronco Chutes

Mount Rose Area
Looking up at several crowns that likely happened on 12/16 at the end of the recent storm.
A closer look at some of those crowns.
Forecaster
12/16/2016 - 00:30

Avalanche Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Panorama looking down the avalanche.
A crack on the ridge that ran the length of the avalanche.
The debris
 Mostly filled in crown and cornices.
Forecaster
12/15/2016 - 12:30

Snowpack Observation
Relay Peak

Mount Rose Area
55 gallon size cornice chunks Forecaster
12/14/2016 - 12:40

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Wind loading at end of day as winds increased wind effectSkin tracks filling in from transportSmall isolated area where thin wind slab was forming Public
12/14/2016 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Andesite Peak

Donner Summit Area
Rain runnels existed up to Peak level (8200'). Forecaster
12/13/2016 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Snowpit at 9200'.  N-NW aspect.  Facets visible above basal ice.2-3mm facets at 9760'Surface rain crust below 9000' Forecaster
12/13/2016 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Elephants Back

Carson Pass Area
PST 25/100 END above crown of 12/10/16 Elephants Back avalanche. Professional Observer

Pages