Fire Plug Avalanche

Location Name: 
Fire Plug
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Tue, 03/08/2011 - 09:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 29.532" N, 119° 54' 14.7564" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
loose,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Other - explain below
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
East
Avalanche Width: 
75ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 200ft.
Avalanche Length: 
400ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Avalanche viewed from across the road, so the dimensions maybe a little off. Unknown trigger. Slide was not noticed at 8am this morning when viewing the slope. The slide was noticed at about 1130. Skier tracks are evident on the skiers left side of the face. The slide occurred just to the skiers right of ski tracks. I'll try to post photos later.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Clear skies, warming air temps, and a warm March sun likely contributed to this instability.