Avalanche at Incline Lake Peak

Location Name: 
Incline Lake Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Tue, 12/15/2015 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 43.7424" N, 119° 56' 13.56" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
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: 
Unknown
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Unknown
Avalanche Width: 
50ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
400ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

L- Incline Peak NE bowl, chute skiers rt of cliffs, E-9200', A- ENE, S- D2/R2, 40', T- 12/15/15 10:30, SS-N

On the skin track up to Incline Peak I obseved the debris shown in photo 2, coming out from the base of the steep chutes skiers right of the large cliff band in the middle of the main East/North East facing bowl. It appeared to be recent, as the texture suggested that it had not been re-covered by blowing snow (happening fast at that time). Asking a few others around, no-one reported hearing any distress calls or seeing anyone needing help. I continued up to the top of the path to see if I could see tracks heading in or out of the path. The top was already scoured by the wind, and no crown was visible. The North wind was cross-loading the gullies in this area rapidly. Photo 1 shows the tree at the bottom of the chute with snow piled up about 8' on the uphill side of the trunk. I didnt see any evidence of recent tracks heading into the path. Likely a natural release. (sorry for sideways orientation!)

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
North
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Moderate to strong North wind was moving snow at the treeline elevation. Skiing was good, but some areas were developing a wind crust. Reports from the summit were sastrugi and thick wind slabs forming.