Burned Hill
Peak · 7,923 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Burned Hill is a 7,923-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe corridor's Sierra Nevada backcountry. Sits in avalanche terrain with variable spring conditions and light base popularity.
Wind averages 11 mph with afternoon gusts typical. Temperature hovers near 32 degrees in spring. Avalanche terrain demands snowpack assessment before approach. Crowds remain minimal year-round.
Over the last 30 days, Burned Hill averaged a NoGo Score of 43 with wind around 11 mph and temperature at 32 degrees. The week ahead continues unstable spring conditions; watch the 7-day forecast for wind spike probabilities and snowpack stability reports from the Sacramento Avalanche Center. Morning windows are narrower than summer but still viable on calm days.
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About Burned Hill
Burned Hill lies at 7,923 feet in the high Sierra Nevada, roughly 15 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe's main basin. Access via Highway 50 east to Highway 89 north, then Forest Service roads into the Tahoe National Forest drainage. The peak sits in the SAC (Sacramento Avalanche Center) forecast zone. Base popularity remains low; solitude is the rule. Approach requires high-clearance vehicle or significant hiking distance depending on snow cover and seasonal road closure. Spring often blocks lower elevation access; summer and fall offer direct driveway routes to trailheads.
Spring conditions dominate the rolling 30-day profile: average temperature of 32 degrees, average wind of 11 mph, and noticeable day-to-day volatility (max wind 22 mph recorded). Afternoon wind funnels through the Sierra passes consistently. Crowding averages 2 out of 10, meaning weekends see only occasional parties. Winter through early spring brings avalanche terrain risk; snowpack instability peaks in April and May. Late June through September offers the most stable approach window, with temperatures warming to the low 40s and lower wind exposure.
Burned Hill suits backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and peak-baggers comfortable assessing avalanche terrain. Experienced visitors plan morning departures to beat afternoon wind. Parking is minimal and often weather-dependent; road closures are common in spring. Snowpack conditions dictate safe passage; check the SAC avalanche bulletin before committing to any winter or spring approach. Summer ascents avoid snow but expose scree and rockfall hazard. The low base popularity means self-rescue capability and navigation skill are essential.
Nearby peaks in the Tahoe corridor include Castle Peak and Euer Peak to the north, both at similar elevation and avalanche exposure. Burned Hill offers a quieter alternative to higher-traffic areas around Donner Summit and Highway 80. The SAC forecast zone covers this area; monitor slab and wind-slab likelihood during unstable spring transitions. Comparison to more accessible Tahoe rim peaks shows Burned Hill requires more planning and skill but delivers true backcountry character.