Small, Skier-triggered Avalanche on the East Ridge of Tamarack

Location Name: 
East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 14:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.1448" N, 119° 54' 41.9472" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
35degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
35ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 320ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
75ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Avalanche failed and ran on a layer of graupel in the new snow. See pit. Adjacent test slope with similar characteristics failed due to skier triggering also. See movie. The slab was a small, soft wind slab that quickly got thinner as one moved away from the ridgeline. Other slopes near this one that were not as wind-loaded did not fail.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

Skier-triggered test slope in the Rose Area

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: