CAIC Observation Report

Avalanche

Crested Butte Avalanche Center ยท Jan 26, 2014

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Weather

Weather: Clear and warm. Moderate ridgetop winds from the NW, increasing in the afternoon. No snow transport.

Snowpack

Snowpack: Mostly firm, especially on solar aspects. Lee slopes in the shade had textured, soft snow with ski penetration of 4 inches or so. Supportable underneath. Winds kept most slopes from warming throughout the day, rode a SW aspect at 2 pm and was very firm. E aspect ridden at around 1230 also never softened up.

Avalanche

Avalanches: Witnessed debris from two avalanches, both most likely a natural trigger. First was spotted on a NE aspect on Purple Ridge, initiated from a rock band, most likely N-R2-D2-WS-O. Second, was on a NW aspect off of Baldy. Initiated among a rock band, looked like dust had either been on the bed surface or blown on since the slide. Estimated N-R2-D3-WS-O.