Front Range

Avalanche

Mike Soucy · Jan 4, 2017 · Front Range

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Weather

Snowing 1-2cm/hr, moderate to strong west winds. Intense blowing snow near and above treeline. Temps were fairly warm, mid 20's.

Snowpack

30-40cm new snow near treeline. Lots of transport happening up high, so distribution appeared variable, when I could see. HS 100-120cm on S facing Trelease Glades. Much shallower on E facing terrain above Dry Gulch. 60-100cm HS, sizeable basal facets failing (sudden collapse) with moderate results.

Avalanche

None observed, but with such intense wind transport and poor visibility, I wasn't getting anywhere near the runout zones.