Front Range
AvalancheAmanda Loughlin · Dec 14, 2024 · Front Range
Weather
Windy, gusty, active snow transport, clear skies becoming broken in the afternoon.
Snowpack
The height of snow below treeline ranged from 0-50cm, compared to a colleague's observation of 40-70cm below treeline in this area on 12/3. I found 10cm of new snow in sheltered areas below treeline, and wind-broken precipitation particles in less sheltered area. Hand shear tests on southeast aspects at 9590ft and 10,550ft and southwest aspect at 10,020ft all revealed snow structures of wind-broken precipitation particles on top of facets, a melt freeze crust and basal facets. A breakable surface melt freeze crust was found on south facing aspects below treeline. A snowpit dug on east aspect at 10,790ft also showed wind-broken precipitation particles, but they instead were sitting on top of decomposing particles, rounding facets, about 30cm of rounds and basal facets. This structure was not reactive to extended column test, producing ECTX and minor propagation with compression tests at the 22nd and 28th taps.
Avalanche
Observed one avalanche on Radiobeacon ESE shoulder.