Gunnison

Snowpack

Crested Butte Avalanche Center · Jan 26, 2013 · Gunnison

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Weather

WEATHER: Obscured skies, valley fog, warm temps, snowing heavily by afternoon @ 34*F, no wind

Snowpack

SNOWPACK: HS varied between 70 and 90 cm. Found about 10cm recent storm/wind loaded snow on top of a buried near surface facet layer from January dry spell. This layer showed easy failures in compression and extended column tests but mostly 'progressive compresion' or Q2/3 type shear planes...showing minimal propagation potential. Advanced facet/depth hoar layer about 10cm up from ground gave repeated full-column propagation results after minimal cut lengths on the Prop Saw Test, showing potential for widespread propagation on the buried persistent slab problem if triggered. Surface snow was mosit and heavy throughout the day,new snow bonding well to old surface with warm temps.