Remote skier triggered avalanche (intentional) on Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 02/27/2014 - 11:08
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.998" N, 119° 54' 42.2856" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
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: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
350ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 300ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
300ft.
Number of people caught: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Wind slab avalanche intentionally remotely triggered from ridgetop. A very low angle area along the ridge, connected to the slab was selected. The first stomp created shooting cracks. The second and third stomp widened the shooting cracks. A collapse was heard and then the avalanche was observed to propagate 300' to the east of the remote trigger point. Video taken from the remote trigger point. Photos taken from 50' east of the trigger point.

The 4F+ hard wind slab failed on top of the P hard MF crust at the old/new snow interface. The weak layer was a slightly lower density layer of storm snow directly on top of the crust. Avalanche size D2-R4.

*In the video I incorrectly state the dat as Feb 26. The correct date is Feb 27.

Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

20140227 1109401

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour