Loose snow avalanches on Silver Peak

Location Name: 
Silver Peak
Region: 
Cabin Creek, Deep Creek, or Pole Creek Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 03/31/2010 - 12:15
Location Map: 
United States
39° 13' 21.7632" N, 120° 14' 47.6268" 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,loose,
Slope: 
39degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
35ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
8 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
60ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
5-10
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Photo 1: A natural loose snow avalanche triggerred by a cornice falling onto the slope. This slide occurred at 12:15 pm. Several other natural point-release slides had occurred on simmilar N-NE-E facing terrain near and above treeline last night. Last night's colder, lower-density snow sluffed off of yesterday's heavier snow. These sluffs were about 30 cm deep.

Photo 2: Skier triggerred sluffs on a N-NE facing 40 degree test slope at 7500'. Last night's colder, lower-density snow sluffed off of yesterday's heavier snow. These sluffs were also about 30 cm deep.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: