Sluffs and Small Storm Slabs

CB Avalanche Center2019-20 Observations

Location: Crested Butte Area
Date of Observation: 03/19/2020
Name: BA
Subject: Sluffs and Small Storm Slabs
Aspect: North, North East, East, South, South West, West
Elevation: 9,400′-11,000′

Avalanches: 3rd bowl Snodgrass – Multiple D1 storm slabs and small, slow moving dry loose triggered on NE, mostly small terrain features steeper than 35 degrees. Storm slabs were 4F/4F- and breaking on the new interface or within the storm snow. Dry loose were all within storm snow. We avoided any large terrain features that would have held potential for larger storm slabs.

Weather: Snowing all day with lots of variation in snow types and density throughout the day. Winds increased around 2pm, but not enough to transport significant amounts of snow in our sheltered areas.

Snowpack: Variable amounts of new snow and significant accumulations throughout the day, up to 30cm in places by afternoon. No signs of instability anywhere besides 3rd bowl. Skiing was excellent.