Gunnison
SnowpackZach Guy · Jan 29, 2013 · Gunnison
Weather
Clear developing to overcast in the afternoon, with light to moderate snowfall after 2:00 (S2-S3). Light NW winds in the a.m., small plumes off of high peaks. Moderate SW winds in the afternoon. Temps rose from -5F to 10F.
Snowpack
Snowpack: Storm board 21â€. 4†of snow fell last night (.2†SWE) , with an additional 2†today (0.15†SWE). Storm totals currently at 29†(2.1†SWE). 2 pits on southerly aspects showed 2-3 cm thick percolation columns (vertical ice) about 10cm apart below the MF crust in the weak faceted layer below, which are adding significant strength to what would otherwise be a concerning weak structure. No clean shears or propagation in stability tests on these slopes. (See profile) Avalanche Activity: Widespread avalanche activity in surrounding peaks that occurred yesterday or last night. Dozens of avalanches on SE, E, and NE slopes above treeline in Ruby Range, Beckwith, Peeler Basin, Anthracites. All failed within the storm snow from fresh windloading, averaging 2ft deep crowns, 50 to 300 ft wide, and generally D1.5 to D2s. (SS-N-R2D2-S) No step downs observed. On Irwin terrain, the reactive midstorm layer that was widespread yesterday becoming more isolated, but still getting some results with ski cuts and explosives ~6†deep on E, S, and W facing terrain. One ski cut pocket failed on the MF crust on a SW aspect up to 20†deep (storm snow interface).