Front Range
AvalancheRodney Ley · Feb 27, 2023 · Front Range
Weather
The day began with calm winds and a temperature of 17°F. Approximately 12 o’clock clouds began to roll in and the temperature maxed out at approximately 24°. Winds picked up above tree line with visible snow transport seen from the west and southwest particularly above 11,000 feet. Light snowfall with no accumulation.
Snowpack
Noted 6-10 cm of fresh snow at 9800 feet, increasing to about 10-15 cm of new snow at 10,500 feet. Icy crusts noted on the south and southwest facing slopes, including some significant wind packed slopes (west facing) and sastrugi. HS varied from 185 cm in the valley bottom to approximately 125 cm near tree line. No collapses, whomping, or shooting cracks noted even on slopes up to 35°.
Avalanche
No avalanches seen on any aspects or elevations, however, minor cornice falls off Seven Utes Mountain resulted in a couple of loose snow slides of inconsequential size. The cornices on Seven Utes Mountain were remarkably large and intimidating above treeline.