Gunnison
AvalancheEric Murrow · Mar 4, 2024 · Gunnison
Weather
Storm totals ranged from about 15 to 20 inches; drifts exceeded two feet. Winds transported snow throughout the day in open areas near treeline. At the end of the day while at home in CB South, large amounts of snow could be seen loading alpine terrain on Whetstone.
Snowpack
We experienced a few collapses throughout the day in drifted and sheltered areas, often quiet and muffled. Most collapses occurred at the crust below the recent storm snow. All were moderate size. No rumbling collapses. Storm snow seems well bonded to old surfaces. There is a slight density change near the base of the storm snow but above the dust layer, but we didn't experience any cracking in sheltered areas. Crusts on shoulder aspects produced a few muffled collapses but non-propagating test results. One location below treeline on a shaded slope produced an ECTP hard on the 2/2 surface hoar layer down about 85cm down.
Avalanche
Poor visibility limited views of avalanche terrain while on tour; the east side of Gothic Mountain didn't show signs of significant activity. Evening views of Climax and Schuylkill Ridge without evidence of recent avalanche activity.