Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Feb 2, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Temperatures were above the freezing mark throughout the trip with increasing clouds later in the afternoon. Ridgeline winds were not visibly transporting snow until I reached the Roaring Fork valley in the evening, with blowing snow at ridgeline on Mt. Sopris
Snowpack
The total snow depth was between 1 and 1.5 meters with ski penetration 30 to 40 centimeters. The general slab over depth hoar structure was apparent on slopes with a northerly tilt, sunny aspects were thin. Surface conditions were moist on all but the shadiest aspects below 10,000'. Extended column tests produced only hard, non-propagating results on northwest through north aspects
Avalanche
North-facing slope at 12,400'. A large natural hard slab released on an unnamed peak about 3.5 miles southeast of Mt. Nast, likely in the last week of January.