Windslab Avalanche near Relay peak

Location Name: 
Bronco Chutes
Region: 
Mount Rose Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 12/31/2016 - 09:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 3.7596" N, 119° 57' 43.848" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
45degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Other
Avalanche Width: 
25ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
9 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
500ft.
Number of people caught: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Wind slab avalanche on a windloaded chute in the "bronco chutes" area near Relay Pk. Poor decision making led to this incident. Previous descent of similar chute nearby of gentler slope and no terrain traps led to false confidence of conditions in the incident chute (see photo taken from below incident chute prior to avalanche, red line is approx. avalanche path). I skied into the chute and triggered a small wind slab avalanche on my first or second turn and was carried approx. 100ft until I maneuvered to edge of slide path and was able to anchor my skis into the bed surface.  Very lucky to not get carried into rocks below or buried. 

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