Avalanche and deep persistent layer on Wildflower Ridge

Location Name: 
Wildflower Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/24/2018 - 14:28
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 27.0684" N, 120° 19' 3.936" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Skier initiated cornice drop produced D1 Wind slab avalanche. Failure on Jan 22 buried SH, indicated building wind slab on weak layer Snow pit Tests showed 2x CTM14 down 8 cm 2X CTH29/30 down 80 cm, Snow Depth 200 cm. deep persistent layer showed Q1 Sudden Planar. Wind loaded area.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Turbulent suspension of snow, warm air temps, gusty and variable in protected areas but mostly NW-W