Wind slabs on Hidden Peak

Location Name: 
Hidden Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 59' 1.7952" N, 120° 7' 45.5772" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Snowboarder
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
150ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 200ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
200ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

On Middle Earth at Hidden Peak today, dust on crust lower conditions existed on the lower elevations.  The snow got a lot deeper between 8500 and 9000 feet.  Had cracking going on while cutting trail on the way up above 8500 ft.

So did a ski/snowboard cut on the exposed wind-loaded, N-NE facing 38 degree slope at the top of Hidden Peak.  The whole slope released with new snow sliding on top of the crust layer.  2ft crown.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: