Avalanche on Ridge West of Caples Lake

Location Name: 
Below ridgeline cliffs on south side/west end of Caples Lake
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 41' 52.5732" N, 120° 3' 46.6956" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
200ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
40ft.
Number of people caught: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Skinning along the base of steeper slopes, triggered a slab ranging from 6" to 1' crown. Fracture propagated ~200ft to the sides of the skier and 30ft uphill, but slid only ~40ft downhill from crown (32 degree slope we were skinning on below did not slide). One person caught but not slid far enough to do any damage, and he was not buried. It seemed as though the slide was a freshly deposited wind slab, sliding on the old snow/new snow interface. No analysis was done after the slide, it was time to get out of the area. 

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