Spring Slab Avalanche on Freel Peak

Location Name: 
East Bowl Freel Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 06/11/2011 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 51' 31.77" N, 119° 53' 50.1576" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
wet,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
East
Avalanche Width: 
300ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 700ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
300ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

A group of six of us ascended Freel Peak via its east bowl and north ridge.  We noticed whoomping and a hollow layer about 4 inches deep as we were ascending the east face.  We carefully skiied down the East side.  At the steepest and most directly east-facing point in the bowl, the large slab depicted here released approximately 75 feet below one of the skiers in our group.  It seemed that the vibrations from this skier caused the slab to release.  The crown was approximately 4-5 inches.  The slab slowed down after the first few seconds.  Everyone in the group was safe.

Two smaller slabs released below the knoll at the bottom of the bowl under very similar conditions.  These also released well below the skier.  

 

 

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: