Avalanche forecast

Gunnison

Crested Butte Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is LOW, but there are a few avalanche problems to consider.  There is a very small chance that you could trigger an avalanche on northerly-facing terrain at upper elevations where the snowpack remains dry and winterlike; shallow, rocky, and/or unsupported slopes should prompt you to consider this outside chance.  Extreme winds formed stiff, thin slabs a few days ago that may be sensitive to human triggers in isolated areas; these slabs can be visually identified by their smooth appearance so you can simply steer around them.  Warming temperatures and decreasing winds will wet surfaces today making for great riding conditions, but if you find yourself sinking past your ankle bone into wet snow then head to a cooler aspect.

*Don't forget: CBAC's end-of-season party is tonight at the Talk of the Town, 6-10 p.m.*

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2

     Slab avalanches breaking into old weak layers several feet deep have become unlikely, but not impossible.  Higher elevation, northerly facing terrain still holds a dry, winterlike snowpack; thus we can't completely eliminate the potential for a rare but large slab avalanche on these aspects.  The most suspect terrain is convex or unsupported slopes, especially near rock bands. You are most likely to trigger a slide from a shallower spot on the slope.  If you are skiing or riding in that type of terrain, reduce your group's exposure during uphill travel and choose appropriate safe zones from a large avalanche while descending.  Let your friend wrestle their stuck snowmobile off of suspect slopes by themselves.  

    Example of a persistent slab avalanche that likely failed last week.  The avalanche highlights the type of terrain that is most worrisome:  northerly, rocky, and unsupported.  

Avalanche Discussion

LOW avalanche danger doesn't mean NO danger.  Today will be a beautiful spring day with enough 'corn' snow for everyone, but don't let the exceptional weather distract you from managing isolated avalanche hazards effectively.  A mix of potential avalanche concerns will meet you depending on your aspect and elevation choices.  Triggering a large avalanche is unlikely today.

Persistent Slab: This problem has become unlikely across the forecast area with the last Persistent Slab avalanche reported over a week ago on 3/31 and prior to that, we have to go back to March 18th for the previous Persistent Slab avalanche of note.  The image shown above in the Persistent Slab avalanche problem is a good representation of the isolated places where you could trigger a deeper avalanche on an unsupported slope.  Also, consider abnormally shallow or rocky terrain as potentially suspect.  The big warm-up over a week ago in late March greatly reduced the places where you can find the problem; it is now relegated to upper elevation northerly terrain where the snowpack remains winterlike.

Wind Slab: The recent extreme wind event on Tuesday, April 5th formed isolated hard slabs on leeward terrain features.  Winds were so strong that much of the snow was blasted into the atmosphere with only a small portion of the snow loaded into avalanche terrain.  These hard slabs are often visually distinguishable by a smooth appearance and chalky feel.  Take a look at these two observations from yesterday in the Ruby Range and Gothic Mountain for images to help identify and avoid this small problem.  

Wet Loose:  The snowpack has gone through several previous warming periods that have helped transitions the snowpack towards a more springlike structure on the south half of the compass.  Wet Loose avalanche concerns are expected to remain small today with no significant natural activity anticipated, but later in the day some sunny terrain and low elevation slopes may become wet and mushy leaving the possibility for human-triggered avalanches.  Simply time your descent for soft, yet supportive riding.  Punchy or 'trapdoor' conditions are a sign to move to a cooler aspect for safer and better riding conditions.

All in all, it's a great day to enjoy the mountains and partake in the corn harvest.

End of season party! Join us at the Talk of the Town Friday, April 8 from 6-10 p.m. as we wish to say thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters, and the community at large. We will have complimentary Modelo beer for everyone, live music from Congo Turner & Company, and a free raffle.

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