Location: Crested Butte Area
Date of Observation: 04/16/2016
Name: Zach Guy
Date of Observation: 04/16/2016
Name: Zach Guy
Subject: Skier triggered slabs on Gothic Peak
Aspect: North East, South East, South
Elevation: 9,500-12,300 ft
Aspect: North East, South East, South
Elevation: 9,500-12,300 ft
Avalanches: On SE aspects near treeline, we intentionally skier triggered 3 soft slabs, ranging from 4″-12″ thick. They ran 1,300 feet on the crusty storm interface, large enough to injure you if you got caught. SS-ASc-R1-D1.5-I
Weather: Mild temps. Overcast skies. S-1 with minimal accumulations through the day. Light west winds, with previous wind transport from the east.
Snowpack: Below treeline, 4-6″ of moist new snow over a weak refreeze (2″ crust that was supportive to skis but unsupportive to boots, above wet grains)
Near/above treeline, the new snow was slabbier in places due to wind effects, with drifts up to 12″ thick from easterly windloading patterns, poorly bonded to a stout and supportive refreeze.
