Front Range

Snowpack

Below treeline on east and west aspects there was approximately 40cm to 60cm of snow. This snow was very weak with boot and ski penetration often to the ground. Near treeline on an east aspect we found about 80cm of snow and the bottom 30cm was basal facets and depth hoar. This layer was 4 finger hard but failed with a sudden collapse on moderate shoulder taps in an Extended Column Tests. There were also some partial fractures in the overlying slab that didn't cross the whole block. Above treeline the snow surface was wind hammered and weather did not allow us to dig down.