Natural Wind Slab Avalanches On Tamarack

Location Name: 
East Ridge Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 01/07/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.5012" N, 119° 54' 41.7132" 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: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 300ft.
Avalanche Length: 
200ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Warming temperatures throughout the morning with snow levels climbing up to 8000'+ by mid day.  Gale force winds moving snow in wind exposed areas with limited visibility.  We observed 2 similar natural wind slab avalanches along the East Ridge of Tamarack Peak around 9300'.  Very large and built out cornices were all along the ridge and cornice collapse looked to be the trigger of the wind slabs.  On test slopes we observed wind slabs 6'' to 18'' in depth and building.  These wind slabs were stubborn and cracking was limited.  

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Gale Force
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour