Front Range

Avalanche

Robert Coppolillo · Apr 13, 2017 · Front Range

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Weather

Clear night, sunny day, bright solar, mild temps (above freezing at 12K, 0900), light wind SW

Snowpack

Weak overnight freeze, easy travel until 0730, then crust began breaking down with solar input. Easy booting in the shade. SE/S aspects have 10-20cm consolidated slab poorly bonded with old snow surface. No shooting cracks or whumpfs, but easy sloughing. Moist snow by 10a.m.

Avalanche

Several recent 24-72 hr wind slabs (R1 D1.5) beneath ridgeline in NE-facing Ptarmigan Fingers. Largest was 100 feet wide, but looked shallow from across the cirque, 30cm max depth of crown, tapering at margins.