Gunnison
SnowpackJohn MacKinnon · Feb 27, 2013 · Gunnison
Weather
Cold, clear and calm at TH at 10 am. Scattered clouds built over the Ruby Range and Paradise Divide area by the afternoon. Moderate NW winds picked up and we observed intermittent light blowing snow from all elevations. Airtemp of -10C at 11,300 ft at 1pm.
Snowpack
Found ~10 cm of recent storm snow near treeline. Previous evidence of light wind-loading on lee aspects and slightly wind effected snow in exposed terrain. We actually found more wind stiffened snow below treeline from previous down-valley winds. Skied slopes up to 40 degrees with no signs of instabilities. The snowpack became much weaker and "punchier" as we descended below 10,000 ft.