Gunnison

Snowpack

Ben Pritchett · Jan 27, 2011 · Gunnison

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Weather

Mostly clear, some high thin cover. Light NW winds. Started bitter cold, warmed up to chilly by late morning.

Snowpack

One significant avalanche triggered on a ski cut on a repeat offender terrain feature. Impressive results and propagation. 50cm deep, 1F hard slab, 700' wide, 400' vertical, HS-ASc-R2D2-O on 12mm SH (Jan 9th interface). We suspected the SH was there, but didn't dig prior. No collapsing or cracking observed until the avalanche. Very settled upper snowpack (hence the 1F Slab on SH), supportive, topped w/ SH below treeline. Rime crusts built on windward slopes above treeline.