Skier triggered avalanche on the east flank of Mt Rose

Location Name: 
Cornice/Bowl above Whites Creek drainage
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 02/20/2011 - 13:11


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
200ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
300ft.
Number of people caught: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

One skier entered terrain and skied 300ft without incident. Second skier entered at slightly different aspect and triggered 12 - 18 inch slab that pulled back up to cornice creating crown of 2-3 ft across 150 ft area. Two remaining skiers called out and I skied into a stand of trees and braced as slab elements swept past me. My partner downhill was watching and skied out south to safety. Avalanche travelled about 300ft to the area he had been. No injury and no burial. Remainder of descent unremarkable. This was an East facing, leeward slope with wind transported snow that released down to most recent bed layer about 15-18 inches down.

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: