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
12/29/2021 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
Hidden Peak

West Shore Area
Public
12/28/2021 - 14:30

Snowpack Observation
Armstrong Connector

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Small roller balls from afternoon warming on W aspect Multiple greyish layers all throughout the snowpack in the Caldor burn zone Public
12/28/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Looking up towards Silver Peak Small avalanche in trees (center photo) partially covered by blowing snow Wind textured snow downslope off of ridge on N aspects from W winds Wind scouring on ridge back to previous rain crust Forecaster
12/28/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Hidden Peak

West Shore Area
Settlement cones around trees indicating consolidation in the new snow. Wind textures and drifts near the summit of Hidden Peak ECTN on a wind-loaded test slope near the summit of Hidden Peak Ski cuts and kicks on wind loaded test slopes near the summit of Hidden Peak would triggere small cornice failures, but they did not produce any signs of instability on the slopes below. Wind affected snow surfaces existed in some open below treeline areas as well. Forecaster
12/28/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
N of Incline Village below Rose Knob

Mount Rose Area
Public
12/27/2021 - 14:47

Snowpack Observation
Cowboy Hat

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Break in the weather late in the day. Variable wind slab thicknesses and densities 4f-1F-P. Planar releases of wind slabs. Large shooting crack, this is deeper than it looks. Waist deep skin track. Widow makers in the Caldor burn area. Deeper tree wells starting to form. Wind textured surfaces below tree line. Professional Observer
12/27/2021 - 13:30

Snowpack Observation
Silver Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Thigh to waist deep trail breaking Intense blowing snow in open BLT with wind texture   Blowing snow refilling skin track in 30-60 minutes Settlement cones around trees Forecaster
12/27/2021 - 06:20

Avalanche Observation
thunder cliffs

Sawtooth Ridge to Tahoe City
Public
12/27/2021 - 05:00

Avalanche Observation
Hidden Peak - Goat Cliffs

West Shore Area
Mostly filled-in avalanche crown in the Goat Cliffs area of Hidden Peak. Forecaster
12/26/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Prosser Hill

Little Truckee Summit Areas
Skin track refill in ~30min. Wind slab development. Strong winds and copious amounts of snow for transport. Public
12/26/2021 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Kingsbury/Spooner

East Shore Area
Professional Observer
12/25/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Powderhouse

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Textured snow surface from snow falling off trees Evidence of snow settlement Fully scoured windward ridge aspect Cracking on a wind loaded test slope Nearly filled in skin track Professional Observer
12/24/2021 - 13:33

Snowpack Observation
Spooner Summit

East Shore Area
Public
12/24/2021 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Border Ruffian

Carson Pass Area
Professional Observer
12/24/2021 - 10:30

Avalanche Observation
Flower Ridge, Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
First easy cornice collapse, just feet from the parking lot. Propagating wind slab failure on one of the many test slopes along our approach. Open creek at 7,200' with an impressive flow following the Dec 22 rain event. Public

Pages