Avalanche in Polaris Bowl out of Hope Valley

Location Name: 
Below the Cornice in Polaris Bowl
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Tue, 03/15/2016 - 03:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 39' 25.2324" N, 119° 57' 7.6356" 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
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Slab
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Snowmobiler
Crown Height: 
3 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
300ft.
Number of people caught: 
2
Number of partial burials: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Cornice broke from snowmachine load on the ridge. Rider #1 went over with cornice, rider # 2 was in the bowl and hit from behind. Both managed to stay on top of the very heavy deby. 1 sled partialy buried.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming