Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Bill H · Dec 20, 2015 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Partly cloudy, temps in the 30's. Moderate west wind ATL

Snowpack

Numerous stiff wind slabs on E sides of ridge lines, new cornice growth visible. Many ridgetops stripped completely bare from SW to NW aspects. Coverage is more continuous now on S and W slopes but quality is variable. Zones we skied alternated between being supportable and upside-down feeling, with denser snow on top.

Avalanche

Several small size 0.5 - 1 on steep E aspects (35-40 deg) below cornice lines. Looked to be natural trigger within the last day or so by small cornice drops. Ran 20-40 yds and did not step down beyond new snow.