Avalanche on Far East Ridge Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 12/03/2014 - 01:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.5408" N, 119° 54' 40.5504" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
37degrees
Trigger type: 
Unknown
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
70ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 280ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
50ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Wind slab avalanche that occurred during the storm cycle sometime late Dec 2 or on Dec 3. Failure layer was needle crystals that are no longer reactive. Weak layer failure plane reproducible using only a shovel shear test, not via compression. Avalanche crown line and debris were covered in 25 cm of storm snow. HS at site of video/crown investigation was 80 cm. Slope angle at crown ranged from 34 degrees at the far edges to 38 degrees in the middle.

Photo: Looking down on crown investigation site from on top of rocks directly above climbers right side crown/flank.

Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

Avalanche on Far East Ridge Tamarack Peak, NV