Loose, Wet Avalanche at Emerald Bay

Location Name: 
Emerald Bay
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Fri, 04/01/2011 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 56' 51.828" N, 120° 6' 28.4796" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Rapid warming
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
wet,loose,
Slope: 
45degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
200ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
6 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
350ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Pic 1: Initial avalanche debris covered road completely, making it onto downslope snow bank. Undisturbed debris seen in this photo is from secondary slides after road crews cleared the initial debris.

Pic 2: Two non-distinct start zones with moderate tree cover and several rocks, which likely acted as heat traps. Choose the satellite view on Google Maps to see start zones more clearly.

Pic 3: Debris from this wet slide was quite heavy, and damaged a car...

Pic 4: ...and also carried a small tree across the road.

Time of avalanche and avalanche dimensions are estimated

Photo credit: Dylan Silver/Tahoe Daily Tribune

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Air temperature: 
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: