Avalanche

Emmons Skin Track

Avalanche.org observerGunnison
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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3

Quick report

Cracking
isolated
Collapsing
widespread

Seldom see a slide below the windy ridge, but saw one (photo with skier in view, but you have to zoom in to see it). Obvious wind transport forming slabs and depositing drifted snow on Easterlys. Shooting cracks, all near wind-transported/loading slopes. Cracks running to ridge edges from skis. Whoomphs were common as we left the trees. Very few below. When reaching the summit we heard (another) large collapse and saw cracks... once on the summit ridge, we saw (again) cracks running to the leeward. I am pretty sure we kicked off a slide in the main start zone of the bowl with this collapse (photos). Overall, at higher elevations (NTL & ATL), we noticed much heavier and deeper snow. Down lower it was low moisture and nice, albeit still shallow. Snow depths near Kebler trailhead (1') were measurably less than out by the gravel pit (2'). Breaking trail up and down... but it's in!!!

Avalanche

Size
D1 R1
Type
SS
Count
2
Aspect
SE
Trigger
N
Elevation
11200 ft

1) Small pocket below the windy ridge on the exposed shoulder leading out of the woods to the ridge. 2) Summit (bowl) start zone. Looks like it slid previously and again when we approached. 3) Did not see anything off the east side of the windy ridge (surprised)