Gunnison

Avalanche

Crested Butte Avalanche Center · Dec 19, 2016 · Gunnison

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Weather

Got one, small localized collapse in open meadow at ~10,000'. Took inserting tail of my ski thru storm slab to get the result. Weather: Clear, Cold Temp: 8F @ TH @ ~1030; slight inversion Winds: Calm, slight upslope winds on occasion

Snowpack

Got one, small localized collapse in open meadow at ~10,000'. Took inserting tail of my ski thru storm slab to get the result. Snowpack: Ski Pen: 10cm - 20cm Highly variable snowpack depth with slab from weekend storm present at all elevations and aspects (E-SE) during tour and consistently supportable. Storm slab frequently sat on top of a sun crust in exposed areas higher in elevation - will be a good interface to observe. Coverage was adequate except some of the most wind exposed areas with no "ground" encounters while skiing.

Avalanche

Avalanches: 2 natural avalanches observed (see photos), east facing. Did not dig to check interface but suspect they may have run on crust layer. #1: 11,200', 40 - 50 cm crown; ~35*; 150'w x 250'; R2-D1.5 (likely ran mid-storm) #2: 10,800', 40 - 60 cm crown, ~40*; 250'w x 200'; R2 - D2 (fresher crown, likely ran at end of storm)