Avalanche near Donner Peak

Location Name: 
Donner Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Fri, 01/15/2016 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 37.8108" N, 120° 19' 6.8592" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
70ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
7 660ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
150ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

On Jan 15, this avalanche was remotely triggered from the top of the ridge, approx 40 feet away from crown. Visiting the area on Jan 16 as part of an ongoing SAR mission, a few quick observations were made. Slope angle of start zone appeared to have ranged from 38 to 42 degrees, measured from a distance. The avalanche appeared to have been a new snow wind slab. Pit work in the area on Jan 16 identified a reactive buried surface hoar layer 2.5 feet below the snow surface. Given the 1 foot crown, it is highly unlikely that surface hoar was the failure layer in this avalanche. See Jan 16 observation Donner Peak observation for more info on the buried surface hoar.

Avalanche Photos: