Wet Slides above Cup Lake

Location Name: 
"Ralstonia"
Region: 
Echo Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 01/16/2011 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 49' 40.584" N, 120° 5' 44.9916" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
wet,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Snowboarder
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
Southeast
Avalanche Width: 
10ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 000ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
70ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Wet slide above cup lake in the Ralston Peak area.  Large roller balls seen on the steeper slopes.  The slide was fairly predictable.  Even though it did entrain a good bit of snow all told, it was not deep enough to bury a person. Nothing moving on  lower angle slopes.  Very hot out there today.

Weather Observations
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

another scorcher,  4-6 incehs of warm snow existing on south and southeast slopes by 1230, 100