Avalanches on Mt. Judah

Location Name: 
Mt. Judah
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 12/30/2009 - 09:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 11.718" N, 120° 19' 3.0072" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
8 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
250ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
4
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Mutiple avalanches that were triggered by natural cornice collapse in very heavily wind loaded terrain just above treeline. No other natural avalanches were observed in the area of Mt. Judah and Donner Peak. No cracking or whumpfing was observed while touring in the area.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: