Waterhouse

Location Name: 
East gully
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 03/14/2016 - 11:12
Location Map: 
United States
38° 46' 24.3048" N, 119° 57' 37.7604" 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
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Slab
Slope: 
35degrees
Trigger type: 
Snowboarder
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
50ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
200ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Crossing under a section of steeper (35deg.)ridgeline,  the wind slab released as the compressive support was sheared.   Slab moved slowly on the lower angle slopes below. Numerouse shooting cracks above fracture line up on the ridge. 

Pic 1. Debris chunks. Pic 2 fracture line, 10-15". Pic 3 bed surface and debris piled against trees. pic 4 shooting cracks up to 20' extending up onto ridge.  Pic 5  cornice break  on top waterhouse peak with several large refrigerator size chunks

 

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: