Front Range
AvalancheRyan Lewthwaite · Jan 8, 2020 · Front Range
Weather
A mostly clear and warmer day at 0 Celsius. There was a light northwest wind that was transporting snow at ridgelines.
Snowpack
Wind transported snow has firmed the surface of the snowpack, but its density was variable as you traveled. Near treeline, the southeast facing slopes are thin from sun and wind scouring. In this location, there are three distinct melt-freeze crusts within the snowpack that are surrounded by weaker snow. The facets below the mid-layer crust is the most reactive in stability tests (20cm deep). This is the layer where the avalanches adjacent to my pit were stepping into. See Snowpilot. It is still possible to trigger large persistent avalanches near treeline on north through southeast aspects. Propagation Saw Test 24/100 SF @ 45cm.
Avalanche
Looked closely at three persistent slab avalanches on the Second Creek headwall. Added additional information to initial avalanche report. No New Avalanches Today.