Gunnison

Avalanche

Ian Havlick · Jan 8, 2015 · Gunnison

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Weather

Clear, calm, mild.

Snowpack

Snowpack depth varied from ~65cm to 155cm in wind loaded areas near treeline. Constant collapsing as we broke trail all day. Every step would collapse between the TH at 9400 til we broke onto more open, wind effected slopes near treeline. Some collapses were booming, and rolling, many were localized around each ski. Treebombed snow surfaces added support and structure and helped ascent. Many times ski pen would be 10-15cm, then suddenly drop knee deep into the snowpack…example of variable structure and slab.

Avalanche

only avalanches observed were D1.5 WL slides across SE-S-SW facing slopes across Collegiates and off Matchless Mtn. All originated in steep, rocky or krumholtzy terrain.