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Crested Butte Avalanche Center

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January 19, 2023

A couple of natural avalanches along the spine of the Ruby Range

Date of Observation: 01/19/2023
Name: Eric Murrow

Zone: Northwest Mountains
Route Description: Avalanches viewed from Reno Ridge in the Ruby Mountains. Views from a long way off.

Observed avalanche activity: Yes
Avalanches: A natural slab on Owen, east aspect, and another near Bichmond (along spine of Ruby Range by Cascade), southeast aspect. Both look to be small D2 avalanches in the recent storm snow. Probably big enough to bury a person, but viewed from 20 miles away.
Weather:
Snowpack:


Photos:

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Estimated avalanche date: 01/18/2023
Number of Avalanches: 1

Location

Location: Lake Irwin (Robinson Basin, Owen, Ruby)
Location Specific:
Start Zone Elevation: ATL: Above Tree Line
Aspect: E

Characteristics

Trigger: Natural
Trigger modifier:
Type: Soft Slab
Failure Plane: New/Old interface

Size

Relative Size: R1 very small
Destructive Size: D2 – could bury, injure, or kill a person
Avg. crown height (inches):
Avg. width (feet):
Avg. vertical run (feet):

Involvements

# of people caught:
# of partial burials:
# of full burials:

Additional comments: Owen towards Rudy/Owen saddle

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Estimated avalanche date: 01/18/2023
Number of Avalanches: 1

Location

Location: Poverty Gulch (Pittsburg, Augusta, Baxter Basin)
Location Specific:
Start Zone Elevation: ATL: Above Tree Line
Aspect: SE

Characteristics

Trigger: Natural
Trigger modifier:
Type: Soft Slab
Failure Plane: New/Old interface

Size

Relative Size: R2 small
Destructive Size: D2 – could bury, injure, or kill a person
Avg. crown height (inches):
Avg. width (feet):
Avg. vertical run (feet):

Involvements

# of people caught:
# of partial burials:
# of full burials:

Additional comments: Below Bichmond, look to be from the day prior as debris is subdued a bit.

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