Tahoe National Forest Sierra Avalanche Center

Pit dug in below treeline terrain.

Surface conditions were highly variable. Changes in depth of wind slab within the pit seemed to account for variations in test results. Many nearby areas did not have windslab above NSFs.

Isolated areas throughout the forecast region continue to show failure within the snowpack with snowpack tests. At this location, very easy snowpack test results were consistent and repeatable with all tests. No known avalanches have been observed or reported in over 1 week. A shallow and variable snowpack exists throughout this area.

Pit dug in isolated area of hard wind slab. 2mECTP-21 @ 89cm. Slab did not cover entire slope and was easy to avoid. Near treeline terrain.

Pit dug adjacent to snowpit from 20171206. Near treeline terrain.

2m ECTN 27 @149 cm | 2m ECTN 16 @ 163 cm

Test pit dug just below ridge in wind loaded terrain. The recent NE/E wind event did not scour the snow surface in this area like was observed at higher elevations.

Pit dug in area of hard wind slab in near treeline terrain. 2mECTP-11 @ 62 cm.