Gunnison

Avalanche

Crested Butte Avalanche Center · Feb 8, 2014 · Gunnison

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Weather

Light snow all day, afternoon snow primarily 1mm groppel. Moderate winds from NW blowing down valley, gusts were strong enough to transport snow.

Snowpack

SNOWPACK OBS: On NE aspects below long lake, HS was 160-195cm. Several large collapses when the group would come together. Collapsing layer seemed to be facets that formed above and below crust prior to 1/29 storm. In stability tests failures on this layer were inconsistent, although a result of ECTP29 and CTM Q1 were notable on this layer. In pits >190cm depth hoar has begun to gain strength at 4F, and can be separated as a single block.

Avalanche

Fresh natural SS-R3-D1-N, south of long lake summer access trail >35º. Crown approximately 3 feet deep on 1/29 interface. One group had a large collapse about 400ft away, possibly a remote trigger??