Gunnison

A meager snowpack and lack of recent snowfall have conspired to make avalanche conditions generally safe.  Any lingering instabilities will be relatively small and are most likely to be found on a high elevation, previously wind drifted slope.  As the danger continues to trend downward, keep your travel protocols and group communication sound to guard against surprises, such as this recent slab avalanche near Rustler's Gulch.  

Although we've seen a lull in avalanche activity since our last storm passed through on November 24th, yesterday we spotted a somewhat oddball of an avalanche that's newsworthy in light of our relatively quiet conditions.  The slab still fits the pattern of a previously wind-drifted, high elevation slope...except that it failed on a west-facing, windward and sunnier aspect unlike nearly all of the avalanche activity this month.  This highlights how wind drifting, slab formation, and weak layers are subject to local terrain influences: there can be outliers to general patterns.  The crown and bed surface looked fresh enough that we think the avalanche was triggered by a very small sluff sometime in the past few days.  Again, a bit unusual to see a natural slab release during our weather and avalanche doldrums.  The take-home message from this is that outliers and surprises can happen, even during periods of low danger.  Low danger does not mean no danger. 

With almost a week of stagnant weather ahead of us, our travel advice will remain fairly consistent.  Apart from hazards posed by early-season obstacles like rocks and stumps, it is an appropriate time to travel in steep avalanche terrain.  Use caution around previously wind-drifted terrain in case you find one of the rare exceptions to a generally stable snowpack.   Keep your guard up by ascending and descending suspect slopes one at a time. Ride them with an awareness of terrain consequences and a planned escape route.   Pull the plug if you see unexpected signs of instability like cracking or collapsing.  Carry all of your rescue gear.   Communicate concerns and safe zones to your partners.  

Upcoming CBAC Events

• Fireside Chat #1:  Tonight! CB Library, 6 to 7 p.m. Streaming live.
• Avalanche Awareness Night: ThisSaturday! Center for the Arts, doors open at 5 p.m.  Streaming live.
• Beacon Brushup: ThisSunday!  CB Community School.  9 a.m. to 2 p.m.