Avalanche above Cliff Lake

Location Name: 
Cliff Lake
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 12/06/2010 - 08:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 27.4476" N, 120° 9' 3.7188" 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: 
39degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
200ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
8 900ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
300ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

I obsevered this slide from the top of Hidden Peak. I estimated the crown to be between 1 and 2 ft. I could not measure the bed surface or slope angle. My best guess is that this was a wind slab that failed in the new snow and the slope is between 37 and 40 degrees.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: