Small avalanche on Ward Peak

Location Name: 
Ward Peak, west face
Region: 
Blackwood Canyon or Ward Canyon Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 01/04/2016 - 21:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 9' 1.2888" N, 120° 14' 57.2064" 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: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
Northwest
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
18ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
40ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
Number of people caught: 
0
Number of partial burials: 
0
Number of full burials: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Tahoe Nordic SAR was dispatched to a lost skier at Alpine Meadows Ski area. Apon leaving the ski area boundary, we found heavy wind scouring and loading from the S-SW winds. Shoting cracks were observed when these new wind slabs were crossed, and small, reactive slabs were easily triggered in obviously loaded terreain features. The largest avalanche       (SS-AS-R1-D1) measured approx 18' wide, ran for 40', and had a crown hieght of 9".     

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Strong S-SW winds at the ridgetops last night, with exstensive blowing snow.