Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Backcountry Babes AIARE Level 1 course · Dec 7, 2019 · Vail & Summit County

View on map

Weather

Groups toured near tree line on south, southeast and northeast aspects. Scattered to broken skies in the afternoon, temperatures 25-34, moderate winds from the west with gusts to 37 mph. No snow accumulation but moderate blowing snow observed and saltation.

Snowpack

Test pits were conducted in three different locations... Southeast aspect: 11,650', HS 65 cm, 2 x CTN and 1 x CT24 Q3 down 30 cm on facets on a crust. The slab in general in this area is disintegrating with facets on the top and bottom of the pack. East-Northeast aspect: 11,800', HS 74 cm, 2 x CTH down 42 cm on facets. Southeast aspect: 11,850', HS 40-90 cm, 2 x CTH down 60 cm on fist hardness facet layer with pencil hard 40 cm above. In shallower pit, 2 x CTH down 30 cm on similar facet layer.

Avalanche

None observed.