Gunnison

Avalanche

crested butte avalanche center · Feb 28, 2017 · Gunnison

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Weather

Strong SW wind (30+ mph) and snowing. Snowpack:

Snowpack

12+ inches of soft, non-cohesive snow becoming noticeably more cohesive over the course of the day. Skied Snakey, Thanksgiving Bowl and Birthday Bowl. Massive cornices along the entire ridge due to several days of strong W & SW winds. Amazing skiing with particular caution at the wind-loaded entrances. Snowfall and winds were increasing as the day progressed, and I expect these slopes to be touchy in the days ahead.

Avalanche

Remotely triggered a cornice break skier's left side of Yogi's that triggered a small soft slab avalanche 12+ inches deep. Skier triggered a few small pockets on isolated convexities. Some sloughing, that toward the end of the day was exhibiting almost soft slab-like movement