Gypsum ridge laps

<p>Was already -2 at the car at 8:30, was up to +4 or higher by end of day. Recent storm snow was beginning to consolidate on some aspects near the top of the ridge into a loose slab. Not hard enough for wumphing or propagation but heavy sluffing was noticed on steeper features and some small slabs (~2’ squares) slid with the sluff. Snow quality was heavy powder, turning to dense heavy wet snow near the creek bed. A sizeable natural avalanche ran directly across the valley from Gypsum ridge (east side of the 742) at some point today seemingly due to cornice failure above a wind-loaded gulley. Sadly phone wasn’t good enough to get a picture. </p>

Weather Report

<p>Winds were moderate in exposed areas but quite calm in the trees. Temps were -2 at trailhead to start the day and +4 at 3:30 when we departed. Sun was definitely hitting the east side of the road hard from what we could see. </p>

Terrain Ridden

Dense trees, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

Snow Conditions

Heavy.

Weather Conditions

Sunny, Warm.