The weekly summary is here. The 2/2 PWL still produces avalanches throughout the zone, with the slab depth variable above. Avalanche danger dropped in the deepest part of the forecasting area, while it is still easy to affect the 2/2 PWL in shallower snowpacks. Cornice fall was on the rise with recent wind events and warm-ups. New snow is expected on Sunday night (2/25)! 
WEEKLY SNOWPACK SUMMARY FEBRUARY 9 – 16, 2024
The weekly summary is here. The community mourns the loss of a precious life in an avalanche accident. A persistent weak layer buried 2/2 serves as the point of failure on many avalanches in the forecasting zone this past week. Snow continues to fall, periodically enveloping the valley in white.
Anthracites Avalanche Fatality
A backcountry skier was caught, buried, and killed in an area of the Anthracite Range locally known as the Playground (east of Ohio Peak). The skier’s partners were able to locate and extricate him from the avalanche debris, but he died from injuries sustained in the avalanche.
The skier was caught in a small avalanche that broke one to two feet deep above a cliff band. He pulled his airbag and was carried over the cliff. Below the cliff a deeper and much broader avalanche released. It broke on a layer of buried surface hoar two to three feet deep. The combined flow of debris from both avalanches carried the skier through trees and completely buried him on the slope below.
Our condolences go out to the friends, family, and everyone involved in this incident.
CAIC and CBAC staff visited the accident site on February 12, 2024. A summary report is here.
WEEKLY SNOWPACK SUMMARY FEBRUARY 2 – 9, 2024
Weekly summary is here. The new snow lends to nice turns in the mountains around the valley! Bring an extra dose of caution to the backcountry right now, as a newly buried persistent weak layer has been catching people off guard.
WEEKLY SNOWPACK SUMMARY JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2, 2024
Weekly summary is here. We got a teaser for spring this week, with warm, sunny weather and an increase in wet loose avalanche activity.
Fireside Chat : Buried!
Join us for a snowpack update followed by a discussion of a real – life avalanche burial and rescue with local snowmobiler Kain Leonard. Sunday February 4th, 6pm at the High Alpine Brewing Company in Gunnison.
WEEKLY SNOWPACK SUMMARY JANUARY 19-26, 2024
Weekly summary is here. Avalanches are running bigger, breaking on large-grained weak layers buried by hard slabs formed from the 1/5 storm snow.
WEEKLY SNOWPACK SUMMARY JANUARY 12-19, 2024
Weekly summary is here! The snow is deep, and the valley is happy. A natural avalanche cycle is petering out as the snow settles in, but remote-triggering avalanches large enough to bury or kill you should remain a primary concern in backcountry travel.
Slate River Trailhead Day 1/21
Join us at the Slate River Trailhead on Sunday 1/21 from 9am – 2pm.
WEEKLY SNOWPACK SUMMARY JANUARY 5-12, 2024
Weekly summary is here! Our snow dances were seen and prayers heard. Enjoy the new snow but be aware that we’re back to a scary, reactive mid-winter snowpack in the backcountry.
