Location: Crested Butte Area
Date of Observation: 02/07/2020
Name: Zach Kinler
Aspect: North, North East, East
Elevation: 9,000′-9,400′
Avalanches:
Very low visibility but did see two D1.5 storm slabs on the lower portions of Climax as well as debris in the runout of one of the larger paths.
Weather: Overcast and warmish. Temps around 30F. S1-S2 snow showers. Light- Moderate NW wind.
Snowpack: ~30 cm (12″) HST. Persistent NW winds throughout this storm have drifted snow a couple of feet deep on leeward slopes below treeline. Small test slopes greater than 35 degrees N-E were touchy with shooting cracks easily initiated on the flats above. These slopes failed on the 2/3 interface which was buried ~38 cm (15″) in this location.
Below treeline northerly slope with significant drifting.
East aspect with light loading
Small limbs and debris in the runout of Climax Chutes.
Storm slab on a NE below treeline slope