Aspen
AvalancheDylan Craaybeek · Dec 16, 2023 · Aspen
Snowpack
The average height of snow (HS) was around 70-100cm on northerly slopes and 30-50cm on southerly slopes. The persistent weak layer along the ground is not well-developed depth hoar as it is in other places throughout the Elk Mountains. This persistent weak layer of concern is likely a combination of the two mid-November storms. There was no cracking or collapses until stepping firmly onto a wind-loaded slope on the lee-side of a north-facing ridgeline where I triggered a rumbling collapse and shooting cracks traveled hundreds of feet. The slope was steeper than 30 degrees below a rollover but likely did not avalanche due to the dense vegetation and generally thin HS.
Avalanche
Avalanche coded here: https://avalanche.state.co.us/observations/field-report/fb771c6c-cbf4-4694-9845-ecc818ccbb39 Several very small avalanches observed from cornices falling and triggering a small slab on a wind-loaded slope below them along the ridgeline above Coal Creek.