Front Range
SnowpackRyan Zarter - Spencer Logan · Feb 3, 2025 · Front Range
Weather
SCT to BKN skies, temps upwards of 40F, SW winds--light BTL, moderate with stronger gusts NTL/ATL
Snowpack
On a north-facing slope below treeline we found a faceting, unreactive slab on top of basal facets and depth hoar. There are a couple of harder, wind-packed layers at the top of the snowpack. Hs here varied from 125cm to 160cm. Winds have really played havoc on the snowpack near and above treeline, as well as in open areas below treeline. The warm-up over the last couple of days doesn't seem to be driving any wet avalanche issues where we travelled below treeline or near treeline. Near treeline south-facing slopes were starting to form a thin melt-freeze crust on the surface. The top 5cm of the snowpack were moist, with dry snow below. By the end of our tour, the snow on east to southeast facing features below treeline was moist to wet at the surface and moist to about 5-10cm down.