Gunnison

Avalanche

Crested Butte Patroller · Jan 7, 2017 · Gunnison

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Weather

Location: start zone above treeline on "Flatiron" Aspect: 310 NW Start elevation: 11,400'

Snowpack

12-24" storm snow on wind affected layer. Previous wind events created firm, planar, bed surface.

Avalanche

SS-AE-R4-D3-O. Crown propagated 165' across and stepped down to persistent weak layers deeper in the snowpack when the slab moved below treeline and gained momentum. Slide ran 1,800' into "Hockey Rink" and adjacent gully on skier's left beneath "Total Recall."