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 Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images Observation made by
01/16/2023 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Pole Creek Drainage

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Large natural wind slab avalanche off of Flat Top peak Natural avalanches off of E ridge of Silver Peak Wind slab avalanche and cornice collapse on N ridge of Silver Peal Natural avalanche on Lyons Peak Natural wind slab avalanches off of Poulsen Peak Forecaster
01/16/2023 - 11:00

Avalanche Observation
East Side of Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
Public
01/16/2023 - 10:00

Snowpack Observation
Mt. Judah

Donner Summit Area
Long shooting cracks on a cross-loaded N facing slope above the standard skin track.  A small natural test slope failure that we found on a NW aspect at near the trailhead. The wind slab formed by the NE winds was about 4-6 inches deep at the lower elevation areas near the start of our tour. Higher on Judah it was closer to 12 inches thick. Long shooting cracks on a wind loaded test slope near the trailhead. This slope faced NNW. Blowing snow obscured visibility near the summit, but we could still see huge cornices above the E face of Mt. Judah. Large cornices above Wildflower Ridge. Scoured and sculpted snow surfaces existed on ridges and in open areas. Blowing snow quickly refilled the skin track near the summit of Judah. Forecaster
01/16/2023 - 01:00

Avalanche Observation
Hope Valley

Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Public
01/15/2023 - 13:00

Snowpack Observation
Chickadee Ridge

Mount Rose Area
Public
01/15/2023 - 12:47

Snowpack Observation
Bear Meadows

Little Truckee Summit Areas
Public
01/15/2023 - 12:00

Snowpack Observation
Genoa Peak

East Shore Area
Freezing fog along the ridge top. Genoa Peak wasn't far in the background but not visible today Drifts from previous and current winds, which varied from N to E to W today A few stripes in my snowpit from the recent warm temps, but no faceting Professional Observer
01/15/2023 - 12:00

Avalanche Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
D1 Wind slab failure on a wind-loaded test slope. Looking at the same test slope failure from the other side. The wind slab failed on a layer of softer storm snow. It was about 10 to 15 inches thick. Ski kicks on some wind-loaded test slope produced 15-20 ft long shooting cracks. Minor cracking in the storm snow on a small test slope sheltered from the wind. Intense blowing snow along the ridgelines. Some signs of settlement in the recent snow. Public
01/15/2023 - 11:40

Avalanche Observation
Rubicon Peak

West Shore Area
Storm Slab Avalanche (Location at map pin) Public
01/15/2023 - 11:00

Snowpack Observation
Rubicon

West Shore Area
Public
01/15/2023 - 10:41

Avalanche Observation
Tallac skiers right east face

West Shore Area
Public
01/15/2023 - 05:23

Avalanche Observation
Mount Tallac

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Fresh avalanche crown around 7000' on east aspect, below the other crown Public
01/15/2023 - 02:18

Snowpack Observation
Near Webber lake

Little Truckee Summit Areas
Public
01/14/2023 - 13:00

Avalanche Observation
Andesite Ridge

Donner Summit Area
Recent natural wind slab avalanche test slope shooting crack test slope avalanche Guide

Blackbird Mountain Guides
01/14/2023 - 11:30

Snowpack Observation
Powder House

Carson Pass Area
Public
01/14/2023 - 09:43

Avalanche Observation
Paulsen's Peak

Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Guide

Alpenglow Expeditions
01/14/2023 - 09:30

Snowpack Observation
Tamarack Peak

Mount Rose Area
Public
01/14/2023 - 02:29

Snowpack Observation
Castle Peak

Donner Summit Area
Educator

Tahoe Mountain School
01/14/2023 - 02:15

Avalanche Observation
Echo Peak

Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Public
01/14/2023 - 01:00

Avalanche Observation
Webber Peak

Little Truckee Summit Areas
Shooting crack.  Fracture depth ~60cm to our most recent rain layer. We experienced consistent cracking on F+ over F hard upside down storm snow. Wind slab test slope triggered by ski kick. Another view of test slope wind slab failure. Red arrow indicates the far edge of avx in the previous image which sympathetically triggered the wind slab in the foreground. Strong to gale force winds transporting snow. Perazzo Meadows overlook.  Deep snow and lots of wind evidence. Public

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