Shooting Cracks and Wind Slab Avalanche

Location Name: 
Ralston Peak
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 12/26/2015 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 21.0036" N, 120° 6' 40.7196" 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
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
30degrees
Trigger type: 
Unknown
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
South
Weak Layer: 
Unknown
Avalanche Width: 
10ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
8 000ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
20ft.
Number of people caught: 
0
Number of partial burials: 
0
Number of full burials: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

While climbing up the west ridge from Hwy 50 heading north.  We experienced small shooting cracks and a small slide.  While the ridge is normally one of the safer routes to Ralston Peak the wind deposited snow along the slopes and gullys.  We remained on the highest points on the ridge staying out of the terrain trap gullys.  Once on lower angled terrain around 20 degrees no other observations were made.

Descending on skis we did not observe anymore activity.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: