Gunnison
SnowpackCS Irwin · Mar 4, 2012 · Gunnison
Weather
At elevation 10,200' single digits overnight reaching a high of 34* by 2pm, light winds out of the SW. At ridge top (12,200') low temps in mid teens overnight reaching 25* midday, moderate winds out of the W to NW gusting up to 37 mph, turning to light out of the NW to N by the afternoon.
Snowpack
New snow is bonding well with sun and wind crusts on all aspects at and below treeline, becoming heavy with warming temperatures. Observing decreasing ski pen, wind affected surfaces, a strong mid pack, minimal loading or cornice development, minimal cracking and no signs of instability. No avalanche activity in Irwin's tenure, however, several natural notable slides ran yesterday or last night. SE face of Owen, NE face of Owen, NE face of Purple Ridge and NE face of Axtel all approx. SS-N-R2-D3-I, estimated 3-6' crowns, 800-1200' wide, 12,500'-13,000' elevation running 2/3 to valley floors, with Axtel stepping down to the basal layer (and skier triggered).