Gunnison
AvalancheEric Murrow · Jan 8, 2022 · Gunnison
Weather
Light to moderate snowfall from 11 – 130. Around 130 precip rates increased noticeably to the S2-S3 range. New snow accumulations ~8 inches at 11,500? around 230 (I expect several more inches accumulated after I left). Winds remained light with some moderate gusts below treeline, but above treeline westerly winds increased to moderate speeds with a few strong gusts. Observed drifting snow above treeline.
Snowpack
Above treeline westerly winds drifted snow into soft slabs on east and southeast features. I was able to find drifts up to 18? thick immediately below small cornices and I was able to produce cracking up to 15 feet. Visibility was extremely poor so I wasn’t able to decipher how extensive drifting was further downslope. Near treeline features in this area revealed far less drifting than above treeline.
Avalanche
none