Emigrant Gulch

Quick report

We found no snow in Emigrant Gulch until approximately 7,000 ft. We dug a snow pit at 9,500 ft on a southeast aspect, where the snowpack was about 70 cm deep. The snowpack was faceted throughout, with no crusts or distinct wind layers. The basal 15 cm consisted of significantly larger facets, some of which were sintered together. An ECTX was observed; however, the upper 50 cm of slightly cohesive facets easily pulled out as a block on the interface with the larger facets below. North-facing aspects near ridgelines held wind slabs overlying the same general snowpack structure.

Avalanche

Size

D2 R2

Count

2

Aspect

N

Elevation

9600 ft

We observed five avalanches in the basin southeast of Emigrant Peak; all were at least as old as the most recent snow event. The largest, in the north couloir of Peak 10,410, was approaching D2, R2, while the others were smaller. All appeared to be wind slabs that released near ridgelines and were observed on N, NE, and E aspects.