Gunnison
SnowpackCBAC Staff · Dec 26, 2023 · Gunnison
Weather
CLOUD COVER Scattered TEMPERATURE (F) Not Observed NEW OR RECENT SNOWFALL (CM) Not Observed RAIN/SNOW LINE Not Observed SNOW AVAILABLE FOR TRANSPORT Small Amounts WIND LOADING Moderate WEATHER SUMMARY Cold temperatures but tolerable. Moderate winds with some occasional strong gusts at upper elevations. Cloud cover increased through out the day.
Snowpack
We dug two profiles. The first was on a W/NW - facing slope near treeline that produced ECTN-hard results on basal facets (see image). We skinned through a section of terrain similar to the first profile site without signs of instability and pole probing suggested the 'midpack' slab was generally 4 finger hard. The second was east-facing below treeline, targeting buried surface hoar, which produced ECTN-moderate results (see image). In wind-sheltered areas, the biggest issue appeared to be small loose avalanches from a weak snowpack. Northerly winds moved snow around at upper elevations on Mount Emmons, but Wind Slab formation appeared to be isolated across this terrain. Testing suspect features produced a mix of reactive and stubborn results underfoot. While climbing Emmons we watched northerly winds stripping snow off of Mount Axtel's northerly bowls and blow it to the southwest side.