Wind slabs on Far East Ridge of Tamarack Pk

Location Name: 
Far East Ridge of Tamarack Pk
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/20/2014 - 09:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 48.528" N, 119° 54' 46.872" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Evidence of instability was limited to the most heavily wind loaded near and above treeline areas below cornice features. Test slopes along the Far East Ridge (NE aspect, 9,400') revealed wind slabs were easily skier triggered. Slab depth was 35cm (14 inches) in moderately wind loaded areas. Greater slab depths likely existed in the most heavily wind loaded terrain. Significant ongoing wind transport observed all morning with snow carried fairly far down slope in heavily wind loaded areas. Slab hardness was 1F to 4F+ on top of a weak layer of F+ recent storm snow. In some areas, the weak layer displayed the earliest traces of near surface facets, with angular crystals visible among mostly DF crystals. No evidence of instability was observed in wind protected areas.

Photos: Small wind slab avalanche/test slope failure with propagation to 10'. Slab depth 14 inches.

Snowpack photos: 
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: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour