Gunnison
AvalancheEric Murrow · Dec 6, 2023 · Gunnison
Snowpack
We experienced numerous collapses on northerly and easterly terrain. We earned some by stabbing the tail of our skis through the slab, some just happened. None were rumbling in nature. I would guess the largest collapse traveled 100 feet at most. Several collapses occurred directly above steep slopes without avalanches or cracking. Snowpack tests on north and east slopes in this area produced moderate ECTP results; failure occurred in weak snow at the base of the snowpack. Snowpack depths ranged from 90cm to 115cm. The slab generally ranged 60 - 90 cm thick up to 1-finger hardness. The weak layer in this area appeared to be gaining some hardness - in the Fist plus to 4-Finger minus range. This is in contrast to areas closer to town where the weak layer was Fist hard (and commonly fell out of profile wall) the day before in areas with a shallower snowpack. The snowpack appears to be less sensitive to the weight of a person, but is far from confidence-inspiring. Slopes big enough to produce a large avalanche probably would if you find the right spot on slope. Surface Hoar, 5- 12mm, was widespread in this area, even well above cold sink areas (present to high point at 11,300 feet). This interface will be a concern if it is buried by a slab.
Avalanche
A couple of old small avalanches on east-facing slopes below treeline failed at the tail end of the storm on Sunday 12/3.