Naturals on Flagpole and Echo

Location Name: 
Flagpole Peak
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 04/22/2010 - 22:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 50' 45.744" N, 120° 3' 16.6536" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
wet,loose,
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
8 000ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
1 000ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Both Flagpole and Echo had D2 loose, wet slides that appeared to release late last night, probably due to warming precip. Judging from several smaller slides in the Forbidden Zone above the gun mount, weak layers and bed surfaces were within new snow.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

A warming trend was observed in SLT last night, as snow turned to rain