Gunnison

Snowpack

Eric Murrow · Apr 18, 2025 · Gunnison

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Weather

Light snowfall continued through midday. New snow up to 4 inches near and above treeline. Greenhousing throughout the day moistened the new snow. Winds remained light above treeline midday. Some evidence of transport from early in the morning, but generally minimal drifting. cloud cover: overcast; wind loading: light; recent snowfall (cm): 10; snow avail for transport: small smounts

Snowpack

At the lowest elevations, below 10,000 feet, the old crust was semi-supportable to skis with occasional trapdoor conditions.  Above 10,000 feet, the old crust was supportable to skis and often boots with crusts in the alpine around 6 inches thick.  The new snow moistened on all slopes except north slopes above 12,000 feet.  The cloud cover kept any tiny Wet Loose avalanches at bay. I hunted for fresh Wind Slab formation along an easterly alpine ridge and didn't encounter any significant cracking.  There were a few inches of fresh snow along the ridgeline in most places, so it could transport if the wind increased.  We did not encounter any avalanche issues during our travels.