Several small to large avalanches on Steven's Peak

Location Name: 
Steven's Peak, Eastern Slopes
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 01/01/2011 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 43' 36.8508" N, 119° 58' 26.274" 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: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
slab,
Slope: 
30degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
3 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Other
Avalanche Width: 
1 000ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
8 700ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
500ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Saw two avalanches.  The length of crown of the first avalanche was quite large, about 300-350 yards.  We didn't hike up to this crown, but it looks to be about 3 feet.  This crown seemed wind-buffeted, so was probably at least a few days old.  The avalanche stopped in flat terrain after a short distance.

A second avalanche was skier triggered and although it only had a crown height of about 6-10 inches, swepth down the hill for over 500 yards.  This avalanche was on an East slope at roughly 8300 feet.

Avalanche Photos: 
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: 
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: