Vail & Summit County
AvalancheJason Konigsberg · Jan 3, 2019 · Vail & Summit County
Snowpack
Traveled from 8500 to 11500 ft on westerly and north-facing at below to near-treeline elevations. No evidence of recent wind loading or wind effect on near treeline north slopes near ridgetop. The snowpack was faceted from trailhead to ridgetop. Below treeline the snowpack is barely supportable to skis. Near treeline the snowpack is more supportable but consists of faceted crystals throughout. There are harder layers above softer layers but the faceted slab is unlikely to communicate a fracture. We expected to see sluffs near treeline in steep terrain but surprisingly there were none. As the snowpack got weaker as we descended very small loose dry avalanches could be initiated if we pushed with our skis but generally unreactive.---The surface is extremely faceted and any new slab will not bond well.
Avalanche
No significant avalanche activity observed anywhere in the Gore Range or other adjacent ranges. Very quiet. Small loose dry avalanches were noted below cliff bands.