Front Range
SnowpackIan Fowler · May 10, 2023 · Front Range
Weather
It was cool and breezy and there were clouds billowing over the continental divide from the east. Occasional patches of sunshine.
Snowpack
The snowpack was firm and well-frozen at 9 am. Supportive to boots on all aspects near and above treeline. The northeast aspect of Mines One was soft at around 10am but there were pockets where the snow was firmer due to cold air pooling or shady areas. By 11am boot penetration was at about 5-10cm on a northerly aspect and was only punchy close to trees or around rocks and shallow areas. In these locations, I would easily sink to the ground. Our final descent to the car was down a westerly aspect which was soft at noon despite very little sunshine.