Aspen

Avalanche

Sammy Podhurst · Jan 26, 2022 · Aspen

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Weather

Ambient air temperatures remained in the single digits above 11k today. Calm to light winds from mostly NE and some NW. Bluebird.

Snowpack

Overnight brought 3-6in of low density snow, with little to no wind affect. 1st ski was an E-NE from 12,650' to 11,900', HS ranged from 100cm near upper ridge, and up to 240cm @ 11,900'. You could feel a decomposing soft slab below the new while skiing those slightly shadier aspects. The hollow, but soft crust, might be an effect of the surface faceting. Second run was more due E, which skied better as their was a lack of a deteriorating base.

Avalanche

NE, 12,500', HS varied from 100-120cm. Size 1 sluff released on ski cut, gouging upper 20cm of surface snow. Gained more snow than expected, but moved very slowly.