Wind Slab and Storm Slab Avalanches on Tamarack Peak

Several natural storm slab and wind slab avalanches were observed in the Tamarack Peak area today.  High-intensity snowfall along with intense blowing snow was occurring over the Mt. Rose summit area between 9-10am with near zero visibility.  Snowfall rates decreased through the day but strong SW winds continued to transport snow in open areas.  From the trailhead, we saw cracking around our skis indicating a potential storm slab issue with around 8-12'' of new storm snow since yesterday.  We saw a wide natural storm slab avalanche that occurred mid slope in approximately 35-degree terrain (photo 5).  Snowpack tests in similar terrain near the avalanche showed ECTP results (video 1) with failure at the base of the storm snow on a layer of lower density snow.  As we moved into near and above treeline terrain, we saw multiple natural wind slab avalanches. Ski kicks on test slopes triggered shooting cracks (photo 1). We also were able to kick off several small wind slab and cornice failures on test slope (photos 2 and 3 and video 2).

Snow level did increase through the midday hours up to around 6500', much less than we thought might occur today.