Gunnison

Snowpack

On Mt. Axtell, below treeline in wind protected, north-facing zones, storm snow is fairly incohesive and showing no signs of instability. A number of indications that the primary concern was the depth hoar instability buried about 3 feet deep in areas that have not previously avalanched. 1. We experienced numerous large collapses on this layer. 2. Stability tests showing propagation potential on this layer. 3. One natural or remote triggered slab failed recently near the ground on a windloaded NE aspect BLT. (SS-U-R1-D2-O)