Avalanche on Elephents Back

Location Name: 
Skiers right off the summit
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 03/31/2014 - 10:35


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Slab
Slope: 
35degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Avalanche Width: 
120ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
8 300ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
900ft.
Number of people caught: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

We observed the wind loading and choose to carfully work our way (one at a time) down the less steep skiers right side where the snow pack and wind load was more shallow. Two skiers watched from safe zones as the third skier carfully worked their way down the right side. About a quarter of the way down shooting cracks ran out from the skier and across the slope. The skier continued to move right into the safe zone. The slab avalanche ran down and cross the the flat area and began to run over the next steep slope to the bottom before stopping. Estimated class 2 avalanche.

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