Colorado’s avalanche conditions have been pretty dangerous over the past week, with new snowfall helping to create unstable snowpack in several locations. Much of the state is currently at a level 3 of 5, indicating a likelihood of human-triggered avalanches and potential for natural avalanches. At this level, small avalanches are possible in many areas, but some specific areas could see large or very large slides.
Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC) observers Zach Guy and Eric Murrow managed to remotely trigger this impressive D3 avalanche on Carbon Peak just southwest of Crested Butte. The slide connected across multiple start zones, combining to be nearly 1,800 feet across.
“Most of the tour, we traveled on an existing skin track without signs of instability. Once we got off the skin track, we produced occasional small to medium-sized collapses, almost all of which required a stomp or ski stab. A handful of these collapses were on flat slopes above a steep SE-facing start zone, and didn’t produce any avalanches. As the start zone changed to east-facing, we had the same lack of activity for the first few collapses. I have about 5 minutes of footage of Eric walking and stomping along the ridge, getting excited about a collapse, but nothing happens. The final collapse on a less-gladed slope produced the big slide.” – CBAC Observer Zach Guy
This massive slide is just a look at what’s possible with current conditions. If you’re planning to head into the backcountry, make sure you do so with the proper gear, education, experience, and planning. Read the Colorado avalanche forecast here, or the Crested Butte specific forecast here.
