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.

Avalanche on Ralston Peak

Location Name: Ralston Peak Region: Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay) Observation Date & Time: Monday, March 20, 2023 - 09:10
Location: 38.834684, -120.102381 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: Yes Conditions Alerts: Avalanche Activity Recent Loading Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Obvious Slide Path Trigger Points Terrain Traps Terrain Matches the Advisory

Observation made by: Public

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Viewed this large natural avalanche on the north bowl of Ralston from Angora Peak. Assuming it failed on recent rain layer. Unsure if burried surface hoar was present in that area.
In Angora peak area found stubborn and unreactive 6-8" wind slabs and no evidence of burried surface hoar.

Was able to easily trigger small wet avalanches on rain crust once solar aspects heated up.

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Type:

Wind Slab

Failure Plane/Weak Layer:

New/old snow interface

Trigger

Trigger:

Natural

Terrain

Start Zone Slope Angle:

40degrees

Aspect:

North

Starting Elevation:

above-treeline

Size

Crown Height:

1 ft

Avalanche Width (Average width):

800ft.

Avalanche Length (Vertical Run):

700ft.

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Avalanche on Ralston Peak

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Avalanche on Ralston Peak

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