Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Jan 26, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Temperatures through the trip were consistent in the low teens with mostly clear skies. The only visible snow transport was at ridgeline between Mt. Sopris and Capital Peak.
Snowpack
Multiple visible collapses and wumpfing observed on both north and south facing sides of the ridge-line above 10,000'. A test pit on a low angled, north facing slope at 11,000' had a total snow depth of 135 cm. This pit produced two failures on an extended column test, one with propagation at the depth hoar layer, ECTP 24 at 40 cm from the ground. The other failure did not propagate across the block, ECTP 22 at 75 cm from the ground. This is likely the mid-December buried facet layer.
Avalanche
A large natural avalanche R2 D2.5 was seen on the northwest facing slope of Mt. Daly. The crown had been softened by fresh wind and snow so best my guess on date would be within the five days.The portion of the crown that was visible looked to be 5-6 feet deep traveling downslope along a cross-loaded ridge. Another soft shallow slab R2 D1.5 was seen on the south facing slope one ridge to the south of Hellroaring. A point release from the cliffs triggered a one foot deep slab that propagated roughly 300 feet. This avalanche was recent, within 48 hours.