Front Range

Avalanche

Richard Helmich · Jan 17, 2015 · Front Range

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Weather

Snowing in AM, below freezing. Strong winds out of the west. Sunny at midday, at or above freezing. Calm winds below tree line. Occasional gusts near treeline. Lots of blowing snow could be seen on the divide.

Snowpack

2 to 4" of new snow. Dug a pit at treeline. Definite sun crust just below new snow with facets developing underneath. See video of this layer failing. Approx. 6" slab beneath facet layer. Broke on skier's second hop. See photo.

Avalanche

Maybe some small old releases (surface layers) above treeline, but nothing that appeared to be within the last 24 h.