Wind slab avalanches 2 to 6 inches deep on Carpenter Ridge.

Location Name: 
Carpenter Ridge
Region: 
Independence Lake Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 02/26/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 24' 44.604" N, 120° 18' 43.1532" 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
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
30ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
8 520ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
30ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
4
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

All avalanches were intentionally triggered for data collection. Strong SW winds were creating blowing snow and new wind slabs along the NW-N-NE aspects of the ridgeline. These new wind slabs ranged from 2 to 6 inches thick, were generally 4F hard and were easily skier triggered. Propagation of up to 30 feet wide was fairly significant especially with the 2 inch thick slabs. No persistent grain type at the weak layer/bed surface. Large open areas below treeline had isolated and localized wind effects. Most small to moderate size below treeline openings had no recent wind effect on the surface snow.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest