Avalanche at Emerald Bay Chutes

Location Name: 
Emerald Bay Chutes, main one
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 03/07/2011 - 14:20


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
slab,
Slope: 
30degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Southeast
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
60ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
200ft.
Number of people caught: 
1
Number of full burials: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

I entered the first Emerald Bay Chute from the Jakes side - following the ridgeline.  There was a steady 30mph wind blowing and drifting snow.  I skied Jakes North faces earlier and they were stable.  I stopped by first set of trees on skiers right after entering the big chute.  Was bending over to take off skins, when I was hit by an avalanche.  Was by myself.  Was taken down the hill and buried completely.  Was able to dig myself out.  Lost a ski (praxis all mountain ski, Dynafit binding) and a Black Diamond pole.  Had to ski out on 1 ski.  Snow was 4-6" of powder on top of a rain crust.  Bottom of chute was crusty from rain.  Reward for return of ski to zeevgur123@yahoo.com, not to mention the good karma ;-)  The warning on this day was moderate.

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

It rained the day before all the way to the summit.