Small Natural Avalanche on Carpenter Ridge Road 12-07-09

Location Name: 
Carpenter Ridge Road
Region: 
Independance Lake Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 12/07/2009 - 12:34
Location Map: 
United States
39° 25' 19.0992" N, 120° 17' 23.2044" 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
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
37degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Avalanche Width: 
40ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
7 260ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
20ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

This small slide occurred on a northeast facing road cut on the Carpenter Ridge Road. The slide occurred due to failure of a facet layer near a rain crust. The slab was a soft slab made up of all new snow.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: