Aspen
SnowpackMatt Huber · Dec 22, 2018 · Aspen
Weather
On the way up, there was3" new snow on the trail, consistent S1 and light to moderate west winds easily transporting new snow on ridge lines and open, exposed terrain. Below treeline visibilty was reduced and NTL/ATL visibilty was very poor. After the profile was complete, sunshine and broken clouds, light winds BTL with west winds at ridgeline still strong enough for transport. 5" total new snow on the way down, 14F
Snowpack
Total snow depth was highly variable from previous wind. We chose a spot that was protected but still relatively representative of conditions at the skier triggered avalanche on 12/21. Unfortunately an area that had similar hard slab conditions could not be found without exposure. Our profile had a snow depth of 85 cm. The top 15 cm of recent storm snow (fist)with another 10cm layer of D/F (fist). A 30 cm layer of facet (4 finger) sitting on top of 30 cm of 4-6mm depth hoar. ECTN 16 25cm