Natural Avalanche Activity in Pole Creek

Location Name: 
Pole Creek Drainage
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 12/07/2009 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 14' 1.9752" N, 120° 12' 23.1732" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
slab,
Slope: 
32degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
North
Avalanche Width: 
150ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
6 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
50ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
4
More detailed information about the avalanche: 
Toured up into Pole Creek drainage today, very deep conditions.  Saw many natural avalanches on steeper terrain above the road, the pit is from the largest slide I encountered.  Consistent cracking around skis, whumping, and shooting cracks-one going from the road over to steeper terrain below the road running 15m in both directions.  With all these signs, my stability tests didn't show initiation or propagation in this low density snow.  All observations from around 7000' and below.
Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: