Gunnison

A recent wind event has left many slopes with wind-affected snow surfaces. You may encounter thin wind slabs that could collapse or produce shooting cracks. These are expected to have more bark than bite, given their very small size. In a few isolated areas, larger slabs may exist. Keep an eye out for areas that may hold larger wind-deposited slabs and consider routes to limit your exposure to them. 

Over the last several weeks, we have been stuck in this conundrum where the snowpack has become so weak, that even small changes in the weather can have a more notable influence on the avalanche problems. From this past Wednesday into Thursday the mountains received a moderate to strong wind event, with winds blowing from west to north to east. To be frank, a slap us in the face wind event. There was only a little snow available for transport during this storm. Normally, with so little snow available for transport we wouldn't see much change in the avalanche conditions. However back to the exceptionally weak snowpack, these new wind boards and thin hard slabs are capable of collapsing or producing shooting cracks. Though, given how small in size these slabs are, there isn't a dramatic change in the actual avalanche danger. Again, more bark than actual bite. A few isolated areas can be expected to have accumulated thicker or larger drifts of snow, and they will be the main terrain features of concern. If you are looking for skiing or riding right now, the safest and best turns will be found in wind-sheltered areas.

This weekend, the CBAC team is hosting a couple of free events. On Saturday we'll have our first Trailhead Day at Kebler Pass and on Sunday the 2nd Fireside Chat for the season. Check them out!