Test slope failure on the Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 13:15
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 47.4588" N, 119° 54' 18.7704" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
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: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 080ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
30ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Winds started to build stiff wind slabs on wind-loaded slopes last night. In this area these harder (4f+) wind slabs sat on top of a softer (4f-) layer of recent snow. I was able to break this interface with one hard kick from the ridgeline (see video for location). The slide that resulted was about 100 ft wide and ran downslope about 60 ft at the farthest. In most areas it ran down slope only about 30 ft. Shooting cracks occurred on the lower angle part of the ridge steps before triggering the slide (photo above). Wind slabs like this should become larger and more widespread as more snow and wind continue to load the leeward slopes.

Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

Fareasttam3-8 020.MOV

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: