Small, Skier-triggered Avalanche on the East Ridge of Tamarack

Location Name: 
East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 01/24/2010 - 15:23
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.7424" N, 119° 54' 18.6156" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
50ft.
Elevation: 
9 100ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
150ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

 This slide occurred on a 38 degree, N-facing test slope at about 9100'. The slide only involved the recent wind slab and did not step down to any deeper layer. We tested several other similar test slopes  in the area and none of them failed. 

Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

Skier triggered avalanche on a test slope in the Mt. Rose area

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: