Aspen

Snowpack

Brad Buyers · Mar 13, 2013 · Aspen

Weather

Rapid warming on solar aspects throughout day. Light wind below 10,500 with moderate NW gusty wind from 10,500 to our high point. Light-Moderate wind transport witnessed from W to E aspect at 11,400 and could see plumes off of Ashcroft Mountain.

Snowpack

Upper snowpack is starting to strengthen and is supportable above 10,800. Below this elevation snow is still un-supportive in un-traveled areas with trap door skinning. HS from 10,000 - 10,800 varied from 60-100cm on N gladed aspects with the upper pack composed of new snow, decomposing fragments, and rounds. The lower snowpack was well faceted. Higher up snow total ranged from 100 - 140cm with a more supportive midpack over facets. Our pit at 11,200 on a 27deg NE aspect had a HS of 131. Air temp: +1.0, Snow temp: -3.5, T20: -5.0. Had CTM (14)Q2 @ 50cm, CTM (12) Q1 @ 115 and CTH (25) Q2 @ 50cm. Both the 60 and 50cm were depth hoar/facet interfaces. Had RB6 EB @ 80cm on an unknown interface in the midpack. Snowpack near treeline on W aspects is highly variable with shallow spots being punchy to the ground. No cracking or collapsing observed by group on tour.