R1 D1 slab on Meiss Ridge

Location Name: 
Meiss Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 42' 38.448" N, 120° 0' 38.52" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
slab,
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 000ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
70ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Bed surface (storm snow from 12/7) had +/- 3cm of  wind deposition, leading me to believe this slide occured between 12 and 24 hrs prior to my arrival.

Several ski cuts on the convex wind roll adjacent to the crown produced no results.

No whumphing or collapse throughout day.

Snow has settled to a 20cm ski pen.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

current temp: -1c

t surf: -2c

surf form: DF .5

t 10: -4.5c

t 20: -4c

boot pen: 30cm