Sloughing Multiple Events Carson Pass Area

Location Name: 
Carson Pass Area above Winnemucca Lake and Frog Lake Ridge
Region: 
Carson Pass Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 03/09/2013 - 12:00


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
20ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
200ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
3
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

 Three different sloughing event occurred in the Carson Pass area this afternoon.  The first and largest was in one of the chutes above Winnemucca Lake. This propagated across the chute when the first skier dropped in and traveled about 200 feet below the Chute. The sloughing was limited to the top 3-6 inches of snow. The area had a consistent storm/wind slab. There was no indication of this propagating into any lower layer. The layer below the new snow was solid and difficult to break through with a pole. Skies did not penetrate below the new snow layer.   The next event was just above Winnemucca Lake and the other was in lower frog lake ridge. Both areas had similar snow conditions. 

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: