Front Range

Avalanche

Chris Benson · Jan 29, 2023

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Weather

Overcast, moderate to strong westerly winds. Blowing snow increased towards sunset.

Snowpack

Weak, cold and shallow. Does Colorado mean “wind-slab on facets” in Spanish??? Observed recent and active wind erosion and loading in the alpine. Large ~10’ tall cornices. Hs was variable with most westerly and exposed terrain stripped bare. Lots of wind features observed from across the valley in steep NE NTL terrain (cross loading, wind lips, pillows, etc.)

Avalanche

None. Some localized cracking under foot. Stomped on some wind rollers and produced some clean shears 5’ long and 1-2’ deep. Most wind loading observed on east side of compass.