Front Range

Snowpack

Anonymous · Mar 10, 2013 · Front Range

Weather

Toured from 9AM to 1PM. Clear skies. Moderate temps in the mid 20s. Winds were more significant than expected - primarily only above tree line at 25-30mph, steady and consistent. Observed significant wind transport above tree line.

Snowpack

Toured primarily S-E Aspects so obs are for those aspects only. Observed one avalanche D1+,R2 SE aspect appx 11,000 feet, soft slab, new snow, ran about 150 feet - too far away to tell if it was natural or human triggered. Witnessed cracking/propagation on S-E aspects, where new storm snow was stiffening from wind and it was the new/old interface. One occasion crack propagated 30 meters. New snow, where stiffed up, running on old snow/crust surface (S-E aspects)- crust had facets on top. In area at/above TL, HS, where not wind scoured, was 130-160cm. Upper snowpack: 8-9 inches of new snow, below were multiple sun crusts the top one being pencil hard with facets on top/bottom. Mid pack 2-2.5 feet of pencil hard persistent slab resting on a lower pack that was depth hoar. Wind was quickly making impact on the new snow even early in the day yet if you found sheltered areas the skiing was very good. New snow was not as dense as expected and made for some good skiing.