Front Range
AvalancheRyan Lewthwaite · Jan 5, 2020 · Front Range
Weather
A fairly warm afternoon with 35F. Ridgeline winds were light to moderate from the southwest, and blowing snow was observed. The clouds were scattered and moving quickly overhead.
Snowpack
The southwest winds at Ridgeline were transporting the available snow to lee aspects near treeline. A thin wind skin near treeline on south aspects was easily penetrated by skis. The snow surface in wind exposed areas was becoming firm and deposits were forming thicker in gullies. I observed no cracking or whumphing. Persistent weak layers are visible in the mid and lower layers of the snowpack but are stubborn to react in stability tests. Any recent snow has been scoured from the above treeline zones.
Avalanche
NO new avalanches to report.