Aspen
AvalancheBrian Lazar · Feb 4, 2022 · Aspen
Weather
Cold in the morning, warming to cool by noon. Sunny and calm, even at ridgetop/
Snowpack
Snowpack depth ranges from 2m below freeline to 3m on north and east-facing slopes near and above treeline. The top ~30-40cm of snow is very weak and cohesionless. This consists of 20-30 cm of near-surface facets capped by around 15cm of very low-density snow from the storm this week. Stout mid-pack slab is still intact and shows no signs of succumbing to faceting anytime soon. Main concern is very easily-triggered Loose Dry avalanches in the surface snow. They are very easy to trigger on northerly terrain steeper than about 35 degrees. Once they start they run pretty fast and entrain a good volume of snow as they travel down the track. Loose dry avalanches up to D2 in size are a very real possibility in continuously steep terrain. Sluffs are smaller on other aspects but you can trigger D1 size avalanches on west and east aspects as well, particularly below treeline where the snowpack is generally weaker. Careful consideration of even smaller sluffing is warranted near any terrain trap.
Avalanche
Very easily-triggered Loose Dry avalanches on all steep northerly terrain. Smaller sluffs possible on other aspects, especially below treeline.