Aspen
AvalancheNick Springstead · Mar 14, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Previous two week's weather included 40in HST and moderate to extreme SW wind. At Snowmass Ski Area timberline snow study site, we measured >4in HSw.
Snowpack
On January 19, 2019 the south shoulder of Garrett Peak avalanched naturally to the ground (HS-N-R3-D3-G). Willoughby Ridge saw several other avalanches during that time, but isolated to small(er) pockets.
Avalanche
These avalanches were observed first thing in the morning on 3/14; they ran the previous night. Measured on Google Earth, the crown on Willoughby Ridge runs 1.2 miles to the south shoulder of Garrett Peak. The crown on Garrett Peak includes all aspects of the peak and extends north onto the shoulder and down into the trees (measured another mile on Google Earth). Each ran approximately 2600' to the valley floor. Numerous smaller pockets likely ran sympathetically. From Snowmass Ski Area it is difficult to tell if the two large avalanches are connected, but it seems reasonable to assume they are. The avalanche (or two) destroyed mature timber both below Willoughby Ridge and on the north shoulder of Garrett. HS-N-R4-D4-G.