Location: Crested Butte Area
Date of Observation: 02/23/2018
Name: Peter Innes
Subject: Natural Avalanche, Gothic
Aspect: East
Elevation: 11,000′
Avalanches:
Observed a large natural slide, ~R4 D2.5 , breaking below a cliff band at the bottom of the E face of Gothic Mountain. Crown estimated to be 3′ deep, maybe 250′ across. Debris ran almost 3/4 of the way to the valley floor, approx. 1500′
Weather: Variable snow fluries w/ minimal to no accumulation. Moderate winds blowing up valley which lessened into the afternoon.
Snowpack: No whoomphing, cracking, or skier triggered slides while skinning & skiing E-facing terrain BTL, 30-35º, around the saddle b/w Snodgrass & Gothic.
Photos: