NAME: Donny
DATE: 15-01-17
LOCATION: Crested Butte Area
DATE: 15-01-17
LOCATION: Crested Butte Area
ELEVATION: 9,600’ to 11,1550′
ASPECT: SE, S, NW, NE, E
WEATHER: Clear, warm. Moderate winds from north in morning; calm in PM
ASPECT: SE, S, NW, NE, E
WEATHER: Clear, warm. Moderate winds from north in morning; calm in PM
SNOWPACK/AVALANCHE OBS: HS 40cm – 100cm, depending on aspect and elevation. Surface mostly surface facets at all elevations and aspects. Ski pen 10cm; but would go to 50 cm (full depth) in shallow areas around aspen trees. Multiple signs of instabilities – large whumpfing and shooting cracks – all in shallow areas, mostly on west aspects. It feels to me like the slab is deteriorating, but this is making it easier to effect the weak layer. But nothing really happens because the slab is barely hanging on. This is just a “feeling” – not much science behind it.