Carpenter Ridge Natural Avalanche

Location Name: 
North Side
Region: 
Independence Lake Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 04/09/2017 - 08:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 24' 56.6388" N, 120° 19' 35.6052" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural Cornice Collapse
Crown Height: 
3 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
400ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
8 900ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
1 200ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Naturally triggered D3 Avalanche.  Appears to have been triggered by cornice failure during recent storm cycle.  Recent wind loading had began to fill in crown that varied in depth from approximately 2-3'.  Minimal instabilites were observed through out the day.  Test slopes and skiing predominately N aspects produced either no results or small sluffs.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest