Avalanche on Spanish Peak in Plumas County

Location Name: 
Spanish Peak - North of the forecast area
Region: 
Outside of the Forecast Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 03/13/2010 - 13:59
Location Map: 
United States
39° 55' 58.4652" N, 121° 7' 22.4184" 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: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
200ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
6 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
1 000ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

This dry slab was a wind loaded slab on the east side of Spanish Peak near Quincy, CA.  The bed surface was a frozen crust (q1) from last weeks storm.  I triggered the slab as we were attempting to traverse the slope.  I was able to shuffle my feet and stay on the bed surface.  No one was burried or injured.  The slide went for about 1000 vertical feet.  Other similar, smaller slides were reported in the area on similar aspects.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: