Front Range

Avalanche

Colin Wann · Apr 8, 2017 · Front Range

View on map

Weather

Mostly clear 9AM until midday, with broken skies by 1PM. Temps were kept in check by winds, especially ATL.

Snowpack

All aspects BTL displayed signs of warming by 10AM, with solar aspects sloppy by 11AM. NTL elevations varied from crusty in the shade to on the verge of balling in the sun. Everything of concern seemed to be within the upper 20cm, with wind deposits of colder snow up to 40cm on sheltered ENE aspects. Bootpen was generally below the cuff before Noon.

Avalanche

Various loose wet releases dapple most solar aspects on steeper terrain NTL and ATL. Natural point releases from exposed rock bands/trees are the expected sources. I triggered a small loose wet slide on steep Easterly terrain NTL at 10:15AM, despite the clouds and wind. Lots of rollerballs where the slope kicks back and colder snow underneath warming snow allows for buildup.