Location: Crested Butte Area
Date of Observation: 02/07/2018
Name: Ian HAVLICK
Subject: Elk and Evans Basin
Aspect: North East, South East, South, South West, West
Elevation: 9000-12400
Avalanches:
Widespread storm slab crowns on anything steeper than 35º from yesterdays storm, east facing, near and below treeline. Did trigger 2 seperate persistent slab avalanches today, close proximity remote, from low angle ridgeline, with slides failing on steep ridgeline convexities. steep, unsupported east facing BTL and NTL. PS slabs released 15cm below new storm snow interface. Genuine windslabs were dense, but seemed to be gaining strength quickly atl. Biggest avalanche observed today looked to be 4th Bowl Mount Axtell, Natural, NE facing, ATL, looked like storm snow, but potentially PWL?
Weather: Clear skies, gusty west to northwest winds tapered mid afternoon. Intense solar all day, and became noticeable around 11am, especially in wind sheltered trees and southerly facing terrain. Temps stayed cold ATL, and light NW breeze continued on Scarp ridge as of 1500.
Snowpack: cold dry snow, 8-10″ from yesterdays storm in terrain travelled today. Steady and significant wind transport by westerly winds onto lee and crossloaded terrain. Lots of scouring in upper Evans Basin, and Redwell near and below Gunsight pass. Skiers Right of Gunsight looked to hold better snow. 4 large collapses while skiing within close proximity to 3 other skiers, south facing, BTL/NTL. Structure on southerlies is poor NTL, waiting for load. BTL southerlies, still very thin and cooked.
Photos:
