Gunnison

Avalanche conditions remain generally safe today, but a poor overnight freeze will require you to stay alert for isolated locations at low elevations that could develop Wet Loose avalanche concerns particularly if there is more sunshine than expected today.  A mushy, unsupportive snowpack with more than a few inches of wet snow at the surface is a good indication that you could trigger a wet avalanche in steep terrain.

Weather stations are indicating a poor overnight refreeze with Irwin, Butte, and Schofield locations all above freezing early this morning.  Stations around 11k and above showed a more significant freeze than those below treeline.  Today's weather forecast is for increased cloud cover, moderate winds, and cooling temperatures in the afternoon which will help to inhibit wet avalanche concerns from developing.  Even though today's weather forecast will diminish the chance of wet avalanches, keep a close eye on snow surfaces at low elevations to prevent being surprised.  Yesterday, forecasters were able to trigger a number of Wet Loose avalanches late in the afternoon below treeline; one of which was able to gouge to the ground and entrain enough volume to bury and injure a person.  Ensure that the snowpack remains supportive to skis or board, that it does not feel punchy or trapdoor, and quickly use your hand to gauge how much wet snow is at the surface.  Finding close to 6 inches or more of wet surface snow means you should look for lower-angled terrain options to avoid triggering a wet avalanche.

This afternoon may produce 1-3 inches of new snow at upper elevations coupled with moderate west-southwest winds blowing the new snow to leeward slopes.  If mother nature delivers accumulating precipitation this afternoon, you will want to look for small, thin slabs forming below ridgetops and cornices.  Any fresh slab formation will remain very small in size but could present trouble if you are playing in extreme or consequential terrain.  Here is an example of a recent avalanche from the Aspen area on Wednesday (this area received more new snow than Crested Butte on Tuesday night, but illustrates the potential for small slabs to form on upper elevation leeward terrain features if the snow does stack up).