Small Slab avalanche on Judah Peak

Location Name: 
Wildflower Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 12/15/2014 - 14:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 26.6544" N, 120° 19' 6.0744" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
30ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
7 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
20ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Numerous failures in the new snow observed on our tour today. This particular failure was intentionally triggered by a skier from above, on an obviously wind loaded convex roll.  (SS-ASc-R1/D1) 6" crown, with a 6" deep (to the old snow interface) shooting crack traveled 30'. No evidence of any failures traveling into the old snow. 

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour