Aspen
AvalancheBrandon Levy · Feb 1, 2021 · Aspen
Weather
A valley temperature inversion was in place this morning with single digits at the turn to Gunnison County Road 3 and mid twenties observed at the McClure Pass summit. The temperature quickly warmed to above freezing before noon. Cloud cover began as thin high clouds with filtered sunshine and progressively thickened throughout the morning.
Snowpack
Recent storm snow has settled to 50cms and the 1/19 layer of near surface faceted grains is still visible in the profile wall. It is the layer of concern and produced moderate propagating results in long column tests (ECTP15 down 50cms on 2-4mm FC). Below the 1/19 layer of near surface facets the snowpack is composed of faceted grains.
Avalanche
One persistent slab avalanche on the northeast portion of Lone Tree Bowl and one smaller persistent slab avalanche on the east-facing portion of Lone Tree Bowl. Both failed initially on the 1/19 interface/layer and the slide on the east-facing portion stepped into older snow.