http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org Daily avalanche report and weather forecast for Crested Butte, Colorado en-us Copyright 2010 Crested Butte Avalanche Center Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:05:00 GMT Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:11:31 GMT Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:05:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=471 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=471 Avalanche Report Warm temperatures and a lack of new snow is stabilizing the snowpack. We are in a transitory period between winter and spring, with the upper snowpack being affected by the strong solar radiation and warm temperatures. Not far below the surface the snow still looks like winter with cold snow and buried weak layers. Modest amounts of snow in the past couple days combined with moderate winds has created the potential for wind slabs at higher elevations. Periods of snow without much accumulation. Northwest winds 10-20 mph and highs will be near 30. Mostly cloudy, 1-3 inches possible, northwest winds 10-20 mph and lows in the teens. Mostly cloudy, T-2 inches possible, northwest winds 10-20 mph and highs in the mid 30s. The next low pressure system is dropping to our south, with the last one moving to the north over Nebraska. This is forcing a northwest flow over Colorado today. We will see high pressure begin to set up, with waves of moisture spinning through the ridge bringing us periods of clouds and snow showers. Warm temperatures and a lack of new snow is stabilizing the snowpack. We are in a transitory period between winter and spring, with the upper snowpack being affected by the strong solar radiation and warm temperatures. Not far below the surface the snow still looks like winter with cold snow and buried weak layers. Modest amounts of snow in the past couple days combined with moderate winds has created the potential for wind slabs at higher elevations. The danger is <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow">above treeline and near treeline on Easterly aspects<br>The danger is <font color = "green">LOW</font color = "green"> below treeline and on westerly aspects Be aware of the potential for avalanches to occur even with our mostly stable snowpack. As the fresh snow gets more and more tracked out, pay attention to the areas you are moving into looking for untracked lines. Be aware of trigger points and shallower snow which may increase the chances of starting an avalanche as well as terrain traps which may increase the consequences if one does start. Banks Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:40:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=470 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=470 Avalanche Report Storm totals varied greatly across the forecast zone yesterday: Irwin picked up 7 inches of snow and 0.4 inches of water, the town of Gothic received 5 inches of snow and Schofield reported 0.5 inches of water. Scattered showers left minimal accumulations in and around town. Winds began gusting into the upper 20s yesterday afternoon and continued blowing steadily into the evening. Winds were reported to be blowing from the west and southwest but observers noted moderate winds with stronger gusts blowing from the northeast yesterday afternoon. Gusty winds are forecasted for today as well. <br><br>While there is not a whole lot of new snow available for transport, shallow wind slabs began forming yesterday and will continue forming throughout the day. With varied snow totals reported in the Elk Mountains, wind slabs will be localized across the forecast area but most prominent in the Kebler Pass and Paradise Divide Zones. Wind slabs will most commonly be resting on a variety of crusts and wamer temperatures will help with bonding. Our snowpack has been gaining strength over the last week and while instabilities will most likely be contained in the upper snowpack, the potential for larger avalanches still exists especially near trigger points on steep alpine terrain. The snowpack at lower elevations may become weak and wet due to warming throughout the day. Increasing clouds, trace to 1 inch possible this afternoon, west winds 10-20 mph gusting to 25 mph and highs in the upper 30s. Mostly cloudy, 1-3 inches possible, northwest winds 10-20 mph and lows around 20. Mostly cloudy, 1-3 inches possible, northwest winds 10-20 mph and highs in the mid 30s. A weak ridge moved into Colorado last night and drier air will subsist for most of this morning. The break in stormy weather is short-lived as another warm and wet airmass moves in this afternoon. Yet again, much of the moisture associated with this low-pressure system will be pushed south, but the Crested Butte area has the potential to pick up a few inches tonight and tomorrow. Several more days of unseasonably warm temperatures and moist weather are in store before high-pressure returns for the weekend. Storm totals varied greatly across the forecast zone yesterday: Irwin picked up 7 inches of snow and 0.4 inches of water, the town of Gothic received 5 inches of snow and Schofield reported 0.5 inches of water. Scattered showers left minimal accumulations in and around town. Winds began gusting into the upper 20s yesterday afternoon and continued blowing steadily into the evening. Winds were reported to be blowing from the west and southwest but observers noted moderate winds with stronger gusts blowing from the northeast yesterday afternoon. Gusty winds are forecasted for today as well. <br><br>While there is not a whole lot of new snow available for transport, shallow wind slabs began forming yesterday and will continue forming throughout the day. With varied snow totals reported in the Elk Mountains, wind slabs will be localized across the forecast area but most prominent in the Kebler Pass and Paradise Divide Zones. Wind slabs will most commonly be resting on a variety of crusts and wamer temperatures will help with bonding. Our snowpack has been gaining strength over the last week and while instabilities will most likely be contained in the upper snowpack, the potential for larger avalanches still exists especially near trigger points on steep alpine terrain. The snowpack at lower elevations may become weak and wet due to warming throughout the day. The danger is <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow"> near and above tree-line. The danger is <font color = "green">LOW</font color = "green"> below tree-line. Yesterday's storm left variable amounts of snow across the Elk Mountains. If you are traveling to the Kebler Pass and Paradise Divide areas anticipate considerably more snow in the high country. Skiers and riders may encounter large drifts and/or wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes. Pay attention to the effects of the wind and be suspect of all wind-loaded slopes in areas that received five inches of snow or more yesterday. MacKinnon Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:50:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=469 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=469 Avalanche Report The danger will be relatively the same today but may rise quickly if snowfall amounts reach critical levels above the forecasted totals. Warm day and night time temperatures are continuing to allow the snowpack to become more uniform and well bonded. Watch for the surface to become unstable if we receive heavy amounts of new snow but fortunately we can expect the new snow to bond well to the old snow interface due to the warm snow surface. Lower elevations may become weak and wet on sunny aspects as the temperatures rise throughout the day. Mostly cloudy, 2-4" possible, light south winds and highs in the upper 30's in CB and in the 40's in Gunnison Mostly to partly cloudy, trace to 2" possible, light northwest winds and lows in the teens in both CB and Gunnison Partly cloudy, trace possible, calm winds and highs in the upper 30's in both Gunnison and CB. Yesterday may have been the warmest day of winter with highs reaching into the 40's. Last night we saw a little snow, calm winds and warm temperatures. We can expect to see a strong pulse of snow starting early today as a closed low wraps south of the state moving east. It looks to be short lived but extremely welcomed. Models are not in good agreement in regards to new snow totals so we may be pleasantly surprised by significant storm totals but will have to wait and see. We should see unsettled weather over the next few days with snow showers on and off with a good moist front arriving on Wednesday/Thursday. Temperatures may get cooler but still be mild and typical for March. The danger will be relatively the same today but may rise quickly if snowfall amounts reach critical levels above the forecasted totals. Warm day and night time temperatures are continuing to allow the snowpack to become more uniform and well bonded. Watch for the surface to become unstable if we receive heavy amounts of new snow but fortunately we can expect the new snow to bond well to the old snow interface due to the warm snow surface. Lower elevations may become weak and wet on sunny aspects as the temperatures rise throughout the day. <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow"> above treeline on all aspects.<br><font color = "green">LOW</font color = "green"> on all aspects near and below treeline. Plan your day according for storm snow totals rising throughout the day. Create a good environment for communication amongst the group. Factor in poor visibility as well as poor verbal communication due to the cloud cover and snowfall. Stop in safer areas and remember to identify where human triggering may be possible. Alan Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:55:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=468 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=468 Avalanche Report The warm weather, calm winds and lack of snow have given the snowpack time to adjust and gain strength on all aspects and elevations. Deep layers are beginning to bond while surface layers are showing little signs if instability. Even though there is a well developed midpack, there may still be areas where humans may trigger an avalanche around shallow areas near rocks and trees but these areas are becoming harder and harder to find. If we see significant snowfall overnight we may see the conditions change drastically and the danger rise by tomorrow morning. Mostly cloudy, Trace possible late, light winds and Highs in the 30's in CB and near 40 in Gunnison. Mostly cloudy, Trace to 2 possible, light winds and lows in the teens in both CB and Gunnison Mostly cloudy possibly clearing late, 1-3" possible early, light winds and highs in the upper 30's in CB and near 40 in Gunnison We have been seeing spring weather over the last few days. Today looks like it will start moving back to winter as a closed low moves in today bringing clouds and light snowfall tonight. There is a lot of moisture associated with this system and warm air aloft may keep the snow amounts to a minimum but if the stars line up, cool air overnight may squeeze significant moisture out of the sky. It will be a wait and see situation. Our mountains should experience scattered snow for the next several days and temperatures and winds will remain mild and calm. The warm weather, calm winds and lack of snow have given the snowpack time to adjust and gain strength on all aspects and elevations. Deep layers are beginning to bond while surface layers are showing little signs if instability. Even though there is a well developed midpack, there may still be areas where humans may trigger an avalanche around shallow areas near rocks and trees but these areas are becoming harder and harder to find. If we see significant snowfall overnight we may see the conditions change drastically and the danger rise by tomorrow morning. <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow"> on steep north through east aspects above treeline.<br><font color = "green">LOW</font color = "green"> on all other aspects and elevations. It is always a good idea to use good backcountry protocol when traveling through avalanche terrain. Skiing one at a time and stopping in safer areas. Higher elevations that may have been more affected by previous winds may need to have some extra consideration before traveling on them. Good procedures will help you if your prediction is wrong. Alan Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=467 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=467 Avalanche Report Yesterday a return to winter after several days of sun and above freezing temperatures. The snowpack is in transition between winter and spring. The warm temps and sun have mostly affected the upper snowpack creating well developed crusts on all but north aspects. The snowpack has also settled very well and overall has gained stregnth. Buried weak layers within the snowpack and on the ground cannot yet be forgotten as we still have a layered winter snowpack. They are called persistent weak layers because they do not go away and can haunt us all season long. Currently the main concern is in the mid to high elevations where the new snow and wind have created fresh windslabs. New snow with moderate winds were significant enough to cereate a new hazard. Windslabs could be well over a foot deep and could be easily reactive. Partly Cloudy, South,Southwest winds 5-10 mph, High Temperatures in CB and Gunnison in the high 30's to low 40's. Mostly Cloudy, chance of snow showers, Sothwest winds 5-10 mph, Low Temperatures in CB and Gunnison in the high teens. Mostly Cloudy, Snow 2-4" possible, Southwest winds 10-15 with Gusts in the 20's, High temperatures for CB and Gunnison in the mid 30's. A quick return to high pressure today after the Friday's storm exited our region leaving between 2-6 inches of new snow across the Elk Mountains. Todays clearing will be short lived as high clouds enter this afternoon ahead of the next system. This next system is a closed low that will move inland over southern California late tonight ejecting a southwest flow ahead of it. This storm is south and will definitely favor the San Juan Mts. though there is enough energy to give us a hit of precipitation. The timing and track of closed lows are always tough to forecast. At this time expect snow to begin tomorrow with the heaviest snow looking like Sunday night into Monday morning. Snow will taper off Monday with Tuesday looking like a transition day before another weak storm system enters Tuesday night / Wednesday. Yesterday a return to winter after several days of sun and above freezing temperatures. The snowpack is in transition between winter and spring. The warm temps and sun have mostly affected the upper snowpack creating well developed crusts on all but north aspects. The snowpack has also settled very well and overall has gained stregnth. Buried weak layers within the snowpack and on the ground cannot yet be forgotten as we still have a layered winter snowpack. They are called persistent weak layers because they do not go away and can haunt us all season long. Currently the main concern is in the mid to high elevations where the new snow and wind have created fresh windslabs. New snow with moderate winds were significant enough to cereate a new hazard. Windslabs could be well over a foot deep and could be easily reactive. <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow"> near and above tree line.<br><font color = "green">LOW</font color = "green"> below tree line. Backcountry travellers need to watch for windslabs today while keeping track of local loading patterns in the area you are travelling in. Watch where snow depths get deeper quickly and where snow stiffens and / or begins cracking. Investigate how well or poorly the new snow is bonding to the crust layers below. Though most instabilities today are in the new snow do not discount the possibility of triggering a slide deeper in the snowpack. Use cautuion on steep exposed avalanche terrain today especially on Northerly aspects where the warm temps and sun have not had as much effect on stability. Continue using good travel techniques with your partners today as it is still winter out there, do not get overly confident with the snowpack! Rankin Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:05:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=466 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=466 Avalanche Report Gusty winds last night bounced around from the south, southwest, northwest and northeast. While these gusts were strong enough to move snow, the crusts and dense snow will have limited the amount of snow transport that actually occured. With an inch or so of snow accumulation we will be looking at shallow wind slabs on easterly slopes today. Clouds and cooler temperatures today will limit the amount of warming in the snowpack, keeping the potential for wet slides at bay. Mostly cloudy with gusty southwest winds 10-20 mph and highs in the upper 20's. Clearing skies with winds moving to the northwest 5-15 mph and overnight lows in the teens. Sunny with light westerly winds and highs bouncing back into the mid 30's Yesterday's forcasted low pressure system took a last minute turn to the north, skipping right over us. Moisture spinning off of the backside of this low will bring clouds and a few light snow showers over the mountains today. Things will dry up tonight as a brief high pressure ridge forms up for tomorrow. Another closed low is working its way on shore and will bring us another chance for snow on Sunday night. Gusty winds last night bounced around from the south, southwest, northwest and northeast. While these gusts were strong enough to move snow, the crusts and dense snow will have limited the amount of snow transport that actually occured. With an inch or so of snow accumulation we will be looking at shallow wind slabs on easterly slopes today. Clouds and cooler temperatures today will limit the amount of warming in the snowpack, keeping the potential for wet slides at bay. The danger is <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow"> on all aspects above treeline and on North to East to South slopes near treeline. <br>The danger is <font color = "green">LOW</font color = "green"> on all aspects below treeline and on westerly slopes near treeline. Watch for areas of wind deposited snow today. Look for wind sculpted snow and small drifts to indicate which way winds were blowing on a particular slope. Continue to look out for deeper instabilities and be aware that in our quest for fresh snow, we may be pushed into areas where weak layers may be more easily affected. Tomorrow things will warm up again, increasing the wet avalanche hazard. Banks Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:20:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=465 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=6891&reportid=465 Avalanche Report We are looking at a fairly stable snowpack as we get set for another round of snowfall. Although triggered avalanches have become few and far between, the potential still remains. As we begin to receive more snow tonight, expect the avalanche danger to rise with accumulations. Mostly cloudy with snow developing in the afternoon. Winds will increase from the Southwest 10-20 mph and highs in the upper 30's. Snow with 4-8" expected. Southwest winds 10-20 mph and lows near 20 Snow ending in the morning with another 1-3" possible. Winds from the southwest 10-20 mph and highs in the mid 20's. Clouds are building this morning ahead of a closed low pressure system which will sweep quickly across the state tonight and tomorrow morning. Models right now are showing this system to be favorable for the Elk Mountains, and we should see a quick dump of snow tonight. Things clear up a bit on Saturday before another system moves in on Sunday. We are looking at a fairly stable snowpack as we get set for another round of snowfall. Although triggered avalanches have become few and far between, the potential still remains. As we begin to receive more snow tonight, expect the avalanche danger to rise with accumulations. <font color = "yellow">MODERATE</font color = "yellow"> Be aware of changing snow today. Although clouds will help to keep things cooler, we could see temperatures rise enough to cause wet snow avalanches. We are transitioning to a springtime snowpack, and getting ready to add a new load of snow. Pay attention to what is happening in the area you are traveling in and be ready for things to change by tomorrow. Banks Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation913 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation913 Avalanche Observation Gothic Lots of bluster but no substance. Cloudy with light snow yesterday but just 3" new and 0.18" water. This was followed by strong wind so that in general snow surface is still crusty with just last nights light snow on top. Variable clouds all night and it keeps changing. Snowpack at 55". High yesterday 31F and low today 8F. No slide activity Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation912 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation912 Avalanche Observation Mt. Emmons, NE at 11,300 Skied shady aspects steeper than 40 degrees with no signs of instability. Northeast winds were moderate with stronger gusts near tree-line at 1300. Observed snow blowing up our slope. Minor sluffing below tree-line. Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation911 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation911 Avalanche Observation Red Lady Bowl, South East at 12,000' Skied Red Lady bowl late in the day. We observered many tracks all over the backcountry on many aspects especially north. We saw no signs of current instability even on steep slopes. Winds remained calm all day. Sunny aspects had developed a surface crust but overall the snowpack appeared to be stable. Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation910 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation910 Avalanche Observation Irwin, South-East at 11,800' About 4" new snow on top of firm supportable crust. Although there was thick cloud cover we experienced strong solar radiation penetrating the upper snowpack. Ski penetration never became deep from warming nor did the surface become anything more than moist. Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation909 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation909 Avalanche Observation Gothic Only a light snow last night- 1" and 0.05" water. Combined 2 days is 4.5" snow 0.22" water (last 24 hours was 3" snow 0.15" water). No wind right now. Was clear overnight, then cloudy towards sunrise. low was 0F but after clouds temp. has moved up. --The brunt of that last storm (just the 5 days heavy period) was 56" snow and 3.17" water. reached a depth of 72" deep. Current depth 54". Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation908 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation908 Avalanche Observation Slate River, NE at 11,000 Wx: snowing, 2" of new, winds moderate from the SW, temps below freezing<br>Spx: felt tight, ski pen 6-12", no signs of instabilty, new snow seemed to be bonding well. lower elevations still shallow and felt punchy on a few turns around small trees.<br>No avalanche Activity Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation907 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation907 Avalanche Observation Slate River Valley, NW at 11000 Skied NW aspect at and below treeline on slopes up to 40* under cloudy skies and light snowfall. About 2-4" of new snow was well bonded to stiff powder below. Winds were blowing 15-20 mph from the North-Northeast, moving the new snow. Overall conditions were very stable with only minor sluffing of the new snow. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation906 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation906 Avalanche Observation Gothic Only light snow of 1.5" with 0.07" of water. A little cloud breaking near sunrise but very light snow continues. Warm night with the low just 13F after 2 days reaching 39F. Snowpack remains crusty and locked up. From the saddle up vally there has been substantial slide activity but the main runs on Snodgrass have not run at all except for some small fractures in one area that did not go far. So there is still a lot of snow above the road. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation905 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation905 Avalanche Observation Scarp Ridge, NE Nice sunny day until we hit the Ridge. Gusts 15 to 20mph coming from the south. Warm temps seem to be adding strength the North Facing aspects. South facing starting to corn up. Some interesting slide activity on south facing aspects of Slate River Road , guy almost lost his fence from a backyard slide. Fri, 31 Dec 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation762 http://www.cbavalanchecenter.org/page.cfm?pageid=7400#observation762 Avalanche Observation Slate River Valley, NE at 10-11000 Clear skies and chilly temps with very little wind. About 30 cm of new snow with little settlement as of yet. Skied several NE slopes, triggering 2 soft slab avalanches on 36* slopes. Both avalanches releases in the new snow, failing on buried surface hoar with a stiff wind crust below. SS-AS-R2-D1.5-I Slopes less than 35* seemed to not have enough stress for avalanches to release, while steeper slopes were ready to go.