Aspen
AvalanchePolly Layton · Jan 27, 2021 · Aspen
Weather
Cold temperatures and sustained moderate winds with strong gusts that tapered into the early afternoon. Plenty of snow being transported at ridgetop.
Snowpack
Highly Variable. The West Willow headwall is blown almost down to the January 19 interface. With pockets of storm snow blown into the slightly more protected areas. Surrounding mountains Willoughby Ridge and Highland Ridge are not as heavily wind affected on leeward slopes nor striped on windward side. Highest peaks in the Sawatch near Independence Pass look similar to Baldy. Up to 60cm of snow was present in some wind prone areas that were bare ground before the last storm. Near treeline snow profile showed 2cm crust that is breaking down still precent at the December 19 interface. It is supportable to skier traffic, but not foot pen. Test results were ECTP(16). This is the likely layer the Garrett shoulder avalanches ran on.
Avalanche
Two small pockets pulled out on Garrett's shoulder. They had some snow in them so likely yesterday afternoon when the winds picked up.