Gunnison

Avalanche

Bob Wade · Jan 14, 2019 · Gunnison

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Weather

Snowing with one eighth to one quarter mile visibility.

Snowpack

Weak. 12-18” of TG overlain by unconsolidated snow of 2’ thickness. Much whumphing crossing the marshy flats between Opa’s hut and Taylor Pass.

Avalanche

There was a sympathetic release of an avalanche about 75 meters from our route. It coincided with a large whumph. It was on very steep (but not tall) terrain- width was approximately 30 meters and length was approximately 25 meters. Crown appeared to be 3’ high on lookers left and growing to roughly 6’ on lookers right. It did not go to the ground. It appeared to slide on an old sun crust as it faced south.