Front Range

Snowpack

Following Mainline Approach west of Berthoud Pass Parking Lot, snow height varied from 20-50cm depending on aspect and elevation. Most South facing aspects were not holding much snow. North and East facing aspects present decent coverage but challenging instability issues. Multiple crusts were seen on East facing aspects and could be a result of the warm days and cold nights we've had the past week in combination with the winds. Wind loading was visible throughout the day but very predominant on North facing aspects around treeline. Above treeline was mainly wind scoured. Pit dug on N facing aspect at treeline showed a clear persistent weak layer on the bottom 18cm of snow at the ground. Compression test results (ECTP10) tells us this aspect is very delicate. The Persistent Slab problem highlighted in the Avalanche Forecast and Discussion should be watched closely over the following weeks. While coverage is slowly filling in, there are still many obstacles, rocks, and debris to watch out for.