The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

Cornice fall near basin peak

Location Name: Basin peak Region: Donner Summit Area Observation Date & Time: Monday, March 19, 2018 - 11:30
Location: 39.374251, -120.354710 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: Yes Conditions Alerts: Avalanche Activity Rapid or Prolonged Warming Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Strong Sunshine Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Warm Temperatures Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Obvious Slide Path Terrain Matches the Advisory

Observation made by: Public

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

We came upon this recent looking cornice fall. It looked to be naturally triggered as there were no other tracks, however we could not see on top of the cornice, but it is unusual for riders to be on top in that spot. We did not watch this happen, but it did look recent. We observed no other cornice failures. However there are a few large cornices we expect could be of concern on similar aspects in that area.

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Type:

Cornice

Trigger

Trigger:

Unknown

Terrain

Start Zone Slope Angle:

50degrees

Aspect:

Northeast

Starting Elevation:

above-treeline

Size

Destructive Size:

D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.

Relative Size:

R2 Small

Avalanche Width (Average width):

40ft.

Avalanche Length (Vertical Run):

150ft.

People Involved

Number of people caught:

Number of partial burials:

Number of full burials:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

8000 - 9000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

None

Wind Speed:

Calm

Sky Cover:

Clear

Precipitation:

None

Air temperature:

Above Freezing

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Cornice fall near basin peak

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Cornice fall near basin peak

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