Steamboat & Flat Tops
SnowpackCody Perry ยท Jan 29, 2012
Weather
Mostly sunny with light winds out of the west. Increasing temps throughout the day highs in the mid 30's lows when we arrived were high 20's.
Snowpack
The snow pack is showing some signs of strengthening. But mostly on the lower slope angles. We had some pretty loud whomping from skiing some 30 degree trees (E aspect). I think any slope that can be ripped and hasn't ran still has some stored energy in it. Any wind exposed features have stiff deep slabs with some lightning style shooting cracks. after poking around and driving away we noticed the "Moose Knuckle" slope had released while we were up in the adjacent area that day. Natural activity continues in North Routt. It seems the snowpack is composed of 2 primary structures. 2011 large facets and 2012 small ones with a much more snow like appearance. As i mentioned the snow on lower angle slopes has settled nicely and provides a great ski with a firm base. But that hollow bottom still down there!