Gunnison

Snowpack

Zach Guy · Feb 28, 2012 · Gunnison

Weather

Blizzard conditions by this afternoon. Strong gusts below treeline, with steady strong winds above treeline gusting to 60 mph averaging from the SW but variable from the SE to NW. Intense snowfall rates this afternoon, up to S5. Temps were consistently near 10F at ridgetop and 15F at the lower study plot all day.

Snowpack

Avy Obs: This morning, shallow soft slabs released easily in near treeline terrain. By the afternoon, sensitive slabs increased in depth and size and were also releasing under ski cuts below treeline, up to 15" in depth, and running longer distances. No obs from above treeline. Snowpack: As of 4 p.m., 11" storm total with .9" water. The depth and slabbiness of the new snow is highly variable depending on aspect and wind sheltering and considerably deeper in some areas. The new snow is resting on wind crusts and meltfreeze crusts in all but the most sheltered areas.