Wind Slab Avalanche on Far East Ridge of Tamarack

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 01/06/2016 - 08:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.5948" N, 119° 54' 18.126" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
3 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
50ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 180ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
200ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

This wind slab avalanche was thought to have occurred on Wednesday 1/6 in the morning hours.  It had 4-6'' of new storm snow on top of the debris pile.  It appeared to have occured naturally and had evidence of a cornice failure causing the wind slab avalanche to fail.  The crown line was 3' at it's highest point. 

We conducted 2 ECT's above the crown line.  Both tests produced ECTN's with no propagation.  The wind slab weakness that was present on Wednesday has gained strength.  Informal observations at this location and other previous wind loaded locations did not show any signs of instabilities.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast