Backcountry Avalanche Forecast for Gunnison 	
Issued: 01/13/2013 6:55 AM by Brian Lazar

Highlights

The recent snow and wind produced a short-lived avalanche cycle which peaked on Friday. The storm 
instabilities are quickly stabilizing, but more deeply-buried weak layers remain a concern. Human 
triggered avalanches are possible on slopes 35 degrees and steeper today.

Twitter 14/01/2013 5:49 AM by John Snook:  The 2nd Colo av-related fatality of the season occurred 
Sunday near Marble. Condolences to friends & family.

Avalanche Danger

The avalanche danger for the Gunnison zone is MODERATE (Level 2) at all aspects and elevations. 
Small avalanches in specific areas and large avalanches in isolated areas are likely today.

Snow & Avalanche Discussion

The recent storm from dropped anywhere from 3 to 10 inches of snow over the last few days, with the 
greater amounts falling in the western portion of the zone. South to west winds moved this storm 
snow and we saw a small natural avalanche cycle which peaked on Friday. Since then, the storm 
instabilities have quickly stabilized, but triggering a wind slab around 18" thick remains possible 
on west through north through east facing slopes, and in cross-loaded terrain features.

The new snow load is landing on Persistent Slabs, which are most pronounced on slopes facing 
northwest through north to east at all elevations. Depth hoar and faceted snow near the ground are 
the weak layers of concern. The weak layers are more widespread near and above treeline. Lower 
elevation southerly slopes generally lack deeper instabilities, and many lower elevation northerly 
slopes have a deteriorating and nonreactive slab. In these northerly facing areas, loose snow 
avalanches are possible on steep slopes.

Triggered slides in the new snow load could step down into the persistent slabs and loose faceted 
snow taking the whole snowpack with them. Backcountry travelers need to approach steep terrain with 
caution. Collapsing snow, whumpfing sounds, and any recent avalanche activity are signs of 
instability to watch for. You should stay away from steep terrain if you find these signs of 
instability.

Weather Discussion for 11,000ft 	Issued: 01/13/2013 11:34 AM by Brian Lazar 	

Brrrrrr! We are in a holding pattern through Monday as a very cold low-pressure trough remains 
parked over the western U.S. The cold air and some weak disturbances spinning around the trough are 
combining to try and wring out any available moisture. We might see a flurry here and there through 
Monday, but snow accumulations won't be more than a dusting. Winds will remain on the lighter side, 
which makes the frigid temperatures a bit more tolerable. Temperatures will drop into the negative 
double digits tonight, and Monday will be a repeat of today with daytime highs maxing out in the low 
single digits.

The low-pressure trough eventually starts to move east Monday afternoon as high pressure nudges into 
the western U.S. Temperatures will begin to rebound Tuesday. The bad news is that this is ushering 
in a prolonged dry period. No snow on the horizon for at least 10 days and likely longer starting 
Tuesday.