Steamboat & Flat Tops
AvalancheCody M. Perry · Jan 14, 2017 · Steamboat & Flat Tops
Weather
Today's weather was increasingly sunny with light to no winds in the Hahn's Peak Lake Area, at an elevation between 8200 and 9200ft. Solar aspects were notably effected throughout the day with highly variable conditions across the rose and elevations. Air temps continued to rise throughout the day as did the open skies.
Snowpack
Recent warming trends have made a notable impression on the snowpack today in North Routt. Recent storm snow showed strong sings of settlement. No whomping or shooting cracks were observed. We took time to look for any evidence of buried rain crust and found no relatable layer to this event in this area beneath the recent storm snow. The snowpack seems uncharacteristically strong for this region in Colorado, and therefore we are treating it with the upmost caution and respect. We skied 30-35 degree south and east facing slopes today with no reactive characteristics. Ski penetration was at boot top and waist deep boot boot pen. Signs of continued wind influence such as side and top loading were widespread. Little to no natural activity noted today.
Avalanche
One small natural and isolated point release or sluff was noted on a 45 degree NE facing slope at 8500ft- likely triggered by a falling tree-ball or self regulation. U-N-R1-D1