Front Range
AvalancheRyan Zarter · Mar 12, 2022 · Front Range
Weather
Winds were more in the 20-30 mph range this morning, gusting 50s. They decreased early in the afternoon. Strong winds have stripped most of the fetches above treeline, however there was still light to moderate wind transport at times.
Snowpack
I traveled on southeast to east aspects below, near, and above treeline. On southeast aspects below treeline, recent storm snow was beginning to show some cohesion as it was warmed by the sun. I did not observe this on east aspects at this elevation. Wind slab formation was observed near and above treeline, and I was able to get shooting cracks on slopes approaching 30 degrees or steeper. I dug on a southeast aspect near treeline and observed a reactive slab sitting on facets on top of a stout melt-freeze crust. ECTPV and ECTP on these facets. Below the melt-freeze crust the structure wasn’t exactly confidence inspiring, but where this crust is present it would take a significant load to become reactive. See snowpit profile for more detail.
Avalanche
I saw debris from an older avalanche on a steep ESE aspect near treeline. The crown was filled in. Not really sure what a good guess is for when it occurred.