Gunnison

Snowpack

Zach Guy · Dec 8, 2013 · Gunnison

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Weather

Strong winds with extreme gusts shifting from SW to NW. Intense snow transport at times, with winds affecting below treeline slopes as well. Light snow with 2" of accumulation, overcast skies. Temps hovered around 0.

Snowpack

Snowpack: Storm board since yesterday at 11". On West facing terrain: Strong westerly winds scoured upper starting zones, but deposited dense, top heavy snow in crossloaded pockets and lower on slopes. A mix of facets, crusts, and older persistent slabs below. Avalanches. Explosive control targeting new windslabs produced no results. On a WSW aspect at 11,250 feet: One skier triggered avalanche failed 18"-24" deep below the Nov 15 crust on faceted snow. The slide was triggered from low on the slope and propagated 150 feet above. SS-ASu-R2-D1.5-O.