Skier triggered test slope failure and snowpack observation on Mt. Judah

Location Name: 
Wildflower Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 13:53
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 29.6568" N, 120° 19' 10.2972" 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
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
37degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
40ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
7 720ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
40ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

This small slide released on a ENE facing test slope. The trigger was an oven-sized cornice block that I kicked off from about 6 ft away from the edge of the cornice. The newly formed wind slab failed on slight density change within the most recent snow. Other ski cuts and similar cornice drops did not cause any slab failures on similar slopes that were only 34 degrees in steepness.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: