Front Range
SnowpackPaul Rogers · Dec 23, 2015 · Front Range
Weather
In the morning, the sky was Broken, with moderate winds and some strong gusts from the West and temps around 10F. Moderate wind transport observed and extended below TL in the AM. Around 11:30 the winds became calm and sky was overcast as a system moved in.
Snowpack
20 cm of new snow at trailhead. Average height of snowpack 80-100 cm in areas traveled - more snow in Current Creek area. Below TL snowpack is weak in structure. As you approach TL spotty patches of supportable midpack can be found but it's not consistent. A few collapses and whumps yet no propagation or shooting cracks observed. In the alpine, well above TL, Northerly slopes are largely scoured with the only snow found in protected features, or cross loaded gullies. Westerly aspects are, as usual, bare and rocky. For skiing, easterly slopes, around and below TL skied very well and some north slopes at/below TL skied well if sheltered from recent winds.