Gunnison

Avalanche

Zach Guy · Feb 28, 2014 · Gunnison

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Weather

Scattered clouds with periods of direct solar, built to overcast by 1330 with light snowfall developing in the afternoon. Light to moderate ridge top winds from SW, with light snow transport, increasing late afternoon.

Snowpack

9.5” w/ .75” SWE fell yesterday afternoon and last night. Another 2" fell this afternoon. Yesterdays new snow bonded very well to old surfaces, but a low density storm layer formed below last night’s dense and wind affected snowfall. (4-8" deep, ~2" above the crusty storm interface, on rimed precip particles/graupel.) Cracking and propagating up to 100’ with ski cuts in wind affected terrain near and above treeline. No signs of instability below treeline.

Avalanche

Good vis and limited natural activity observed in Ruby Range/ Anthracites, except for a couple of natural windslabs on E and NE aspects above treeline. (SS-N-R1-D1/1.5-U). Skier triggered several soft slabs on Irwin Tenure, E and W aspects near and above treeline. A couple remotely triggered from over 100’ away. 4-10" deep 10-30’ wide, widest 80’. Stability improved by later in the day. SS-ASc-R1-D1-S