Aspen

Snowpack

Mark Falender · Jan 12, 2013 · Aspen

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Weather

COLD! Really cold.

Snowpack

Snowpack below treeline is very shallow (50cm) and very weak (fist from top to bottom). Large (6-10mm) DH at base. Observed three large collapses with shooting cracks (up to 60 meters) on NE, E, and NW open slopes below treeline. Collapses initiated in flat and near flat terrain but propagated very far upslope into 25-30 deg slopes. Snowpack at and above TL shows similar structure to lower elevations, but with a much stronger midpack (1F - P hard). 90cm of snow at 12,800', windloaded east aspect just below ridgecrest. 20cm of new snow in windloaded areas.