Vail & Summit County

Snowpack

Becs Hodgetts · Nov 8, 2013 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Clear warm day (3C) at trail head. Light SW winds at ridgeline. Evidence of loading from SW winds, but none occurring during field day. Solar affecting south and Sthwest slopes on decent. Wet snow on valley bottom (total depth 10-20cms).

Snowpack

Shallow snowpack on all aspects. Below treeline on south aspect, average depth 15cms and wet snow. At treeline, SW slopes Average depth 40cms. Snowpack consisted of facets (0.5-1mm)from ground to 25cms. 25-50cms above ground was decomposing and fragmented particles.Surface form = Surface hoar (3mm)deforming due to warm temps. Surface hoar not present above treeline. Cornice formation and wind slab evident on North aspects.