The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season posted on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

Skier Triggered Cornice Collapse/Wind Slab

Location Name: Paulsen's Peak Region: Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area Observation Date & Time: Saturday, January 14, 2023 - 09:43
Location: 39.204803, -120.235174 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: Yes Conditions Alerts: Avalanche Activity Recent Loading Recent Loading›Blowing Snow Recent Loading›More Than a Foot of New Snow Recent Loading›Snowfall Rates of More Than 1 in/hr

Observation made by: Guide at Alpenglow Expeditions

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Heavy wind affected snow, with strong winds & very heavy snowfall. The wind picked up later in the morning & the temperature dropped. Uphill track was complety burried on our second lap. The snow was considerably more wind affected with some shooting cracks observed on second lap in the afternoon.

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Below Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Type:

Wind Slab

Failure Plane/Weak Layer:

Storm Snow

Trigger

Trigger:

Skier

Trigger Modifier:

Cornice Fall Triggered

Terrain

Start Zone Slope Angle:

32degrees

Aspect:

East

Starting Elevation:

below-treeline

Size

Destructive Size:

D1 Relatively harmless to people.

Relative Size:

R2 Small

Crown Height:

9 ft

Avalanche Width (Average width):

50ft.

Avalanche Length (Vertical Run):

90ft.

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Skier Triggered Cornice Collapse/Wind Slab

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