Gunnison

Snowpack

Crested Butte Avalanche Center · Jan 9, 2013 · Gunnison

View on map

Snowpack

Springlike temperatures, calm winds at ridge top, clear all day. West aspects above treeline became moist midday. Heavy snowmobile and ski traffic on 35-40 degree slopes ATL, S through E through NE aspects, with no signs of instability. Near surface facets layer is at least 3" thick below treeline on West slopes, with some degree of faceting extending through the entire snowpack. ATL surface on west aspects remains a mix of thin wind crusts and rippled facets. Midpack has highly variable strength.