Test slope failure and test pit on Carpenter RIdge

Location Name: 
Carpenter Ridge
Region: 
Independence Lake Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Fri, 01/22/2010 - 13:10
Location Map: 
United States
39° 24' 43.5312" N, 120° 18' 48.9492" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
20ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
8 600ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
40ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Photo 1: 1 foot crown of new snow from small avalanche on skier triggered test slope.

Photo 2: Debris from same test slope failure.

Pit profile and pit video taken on nearby slope show the test slope's failure layer.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

ECTPV

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Very light snow and very light wind transport observed on top of ridge from 12:30 to 1:30pm.