Gunnison

Avalanche

Zach Guy · Jan 31, 2014 · Gunnison

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Weather

Snowing S1-S3 throughout the day with short periods of S5. SW winds in the mid 20’s with gusts in the 40’s.

Snowpack

8" last night, 7" during the day. Storm board at 25" (3.7" SWE). Storm snow has top heavy density, with a low density layer above the rain crust, and denser snow below. Observed widespread moderate collapsing on many low angle slopes today.

Avalanche

Observed 4 natural soft slabs on northerly slopes above Coal Creek on Kebler Pass Road, about a foot deep. SS-N-R3-D1-U. Within our previously trafficked terrain, explosives consistently triggered numerous D1.5 and D2 soft slab avalanches on SE aspects above treeline, as well as a wide D2 avalanche on S aspect near treeline and D1.5 on a West aspect near treeline. These were failing on low density stellars above the Jan 29th raincrust. Skier triggered a couple similar slides. SS-AE/AS-R2-D1.5/2-S