Natural Avalanche on Tamarack Peak

Location Name: 
Hourglass Bowl
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 02/09/2014 - 14:30


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Unknown
Avalanche Width: 
20ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Bed Surface: 
Unknown
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Natural avalanche was observed on Hourglass Bowl about halfway down the bowl at the narrowest part.  The crown was estimated at 1.5 feet tall and propagated 20 feet across. We observed multiple instances of whumphing on leeward slopes in the area and were forced to travel on ridges. Unknown what time this slide occurred we saw it at around 2:30 pm.

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: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Temps were dropping. At noon the snow level was 8,400 feet by 4pm it had dropped to 7,500 feet.