Gunnison

Avalanche

Crested Butte Avalanche Center · Mar 24, 2014 · Gunnison

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Snowpack

Strong solar radiation today but snow surface stayed dry above treeline even on S aspects. Snow surface above treeline was a mixed bag of rock hard wind pack, stiff wind slabs, and boot top snow in sheltered areas. Wind started light but grew stronger and sustained in pm. light to moderate wind transport of snow. Windward side of ridges were pretty well scoured. Observed several older point release snow sluffs on steep terrain entraining just the surface snow from Saturdays storm. Overall skiing and snowmobiling was supportive and saw no new signs of instabilities.

Avalanche

Noted widespread shallow slab released on SE through NE aspects below ridge. looks to have run after the wind picked up yesterday? and maybe a foot deep at the most. Found several areas of cornices cleaving from mtn side. Some gaps were 3-4 feet wide between snow ridge!