Small Avalanches in the Mt. Rose Area

Location Name: 
East Ridge of Tamarack Peak
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 12/13/2009 - 12:13
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 46.6236" N, 119° 54' 40.7088" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Other - explain below
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
30ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 240ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
100ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
3
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

All of these slides were triggered by oven to refrigerator sized cornices intentionally dropped onto the slope by a skier. The cornices were extremely tender and could be triggered from several feet away.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: