Visible crowns on Ralston Peak and surrounding ridgeline

Location Name: 
Ralston Peak
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 00:00


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Elevation: 
9 000ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
More than 10
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Noticed visible crowns on Saturday 3/24 near Ralston Peak. NW to NE bowls on the ridgeline around the peak had visible crowns that were well-defined but somewhat rounded by heat. Did not know date of avalanches - possibly from the most recent storm cycle or continued wind-loading after the storm cycle. The avalanches fractured full width of the bowls in many places - very impressive. Fresh windloaded snow 1 to 6 inches deep was encountered that day, and felt like very recent windblown from the previous 2 days, since a breakable suncrust from midweek was encountered just below the windblown surface.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
South
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

 South wind felt like it was blowing 30-45 mph on Saturday at ridge level. Cold winds were keeping the wind transported snow dry, despite air temperature in the low 40s.