Front Range
SnowpackPedro Rodriguez · Jan 7, 2017 · Front Range
Weather
Wind speeds and direction were noticeably blustery at 20mph-25mph W near tree-line. Of note is that there still seemed to be snow available for wind transport. Temperatures started at -20C and climbed to at least -10C throughout the day
Snowpack
Two snow pits were dug, and their results generally agreed. Both pits were dug at tree-line on S and SE slopes (10,700ft). The snowpit depicted/attached was dug on a small rollover wind feature which varied from 37 to 43 degrees on a slope which was otherwise approximately 15-20 degrees facing SE (UTM coordinates on snowpit). The second snowpit was dug on an adjacent slope at approximately 15 degrees facing more S and is not shown. A 30cm pencil-hard wind slab was found over a 4-finger weak layer followed by another pencil-hard slab. Although test results varied, results were generally CTEQ1/Q2 and ECTP. Several tests resulted in CTV and ECTPV with blocks popping out. A temperature profile was taken which revealed a 1degC/10cm critical gradient from 20-60cm in the snowpack. Photos of the weak layer were taken which seem to indicate the presence of very small facets, but the blustery conditions made crystallography difficult. Of note is that the bottom of the recorded hardness profile was very hard to even shovel blades.