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.

Loose Wet Avalanches on Donner Peak

Location Name: Donner Peak Region: Donner Summit Area Observation Date & Time: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 - 11:00
Location: 39.312385, -120.314025 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: Yes Conditions Alerts: Avalanche Activity Rapid or Prolonged Warming Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Rain on Snow Recent Loading Recent Loading›Blowing Snow Recent Loading›Rain on Snow Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Obvious Slide Path

Observation made by: Forecaster

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

2 natural loose wet avalanches were observed on the north face of Donner Peak. These were thought to have occurred sometime early this morning. The bigger of the 2 avalanches was a size D2 and ran for 400' to potentially over 600' downslope over the train sheds. Poor visibility limited seeing the starting zone and upper slopes.

D2 loose wet natural avalanche that ran 400-600'+.

D1 loose wet natural avalanche

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Type:

Wet Loose

Failure Plane/Weak Layer:

Old Snow

Additional number of similar avalanches:

Trigger

Trigger:

Natural

Terrain

Start Zone Slope Angle:

40degrees

Aspect:

North

Starting Elevation:

near-treeline

Size

Destructive Size:

D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.

Relative Size:

R2 Small

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Loose Wet Avalanches on Donner Peak

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Loose Wet Avalanches on Donner Peak

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