Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Mike Zobbe · Mar 17, 2015 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Clear, temps mid 20s arming to above freezing. Wind SW 15-20

Snowpack

N aspects above TL still cold and "creamy" some sustrugi and wind ripples. E-S-W aspects going into spring regimen. Locked up in the morning, starting to soften by 12:00. Two large spread collapses on N aspect ~20º slopes near and slightly above TL. Happened about 9:30-10:00am. Area has lots of willows but snowpack deep enough that none are poking through yet. 2-5cm ski and pole penetration. Surface of snow very firm, resisted attempts at pole probing.

Avalanche

One old SSNR1D1O visible on N aspect 12,400' 35º 150' wide, ran 75' vert. below Elk Peak Near Janets Cabin. Probably ran 3-4 days ago. Possible cornice collapse trigger.