Front Range
AvalancheBen White · Nov 26, 2015 · Front Range
Weather
11,000, NE aspect in Northern Indian Peaks/Southern RMNP Skies: Clear. Winds light(below treeline) to moderate (15-20mph above treeline) Precip.: none Temps: 30-36 Deg. F.
Snowpack
11,000, NE aspect in Northern Indian Peaks/Southern RMNP Variable; wind slabs and drifts on exposed terrain. Exposed areas bare, protected areas below treeline measuring between 16-24" HS. Ski pen in these protected areas 6"+; Boot pen. 12"+ Hazardous areas appeared to be concentrated near, at and above treeline on leeward slopes, where wind slabs of varying stiffness appeared to sit on persistent weak layer at or near ground level. Experienced loud 'whoompf' and collapse sounds crossing a hard wind slab on a sub 30 deg. slope at treeline. All in all, approaching my definition of "spooky moderate", with little evidence of recent activity, widespread supportable slabs on leeward terrain, poor skiing or exposed rock in wind-exposed areas, leading to increased appeal of hazardous slopes. Still thin below 9500 feet, but skiable on compacted trails. Barely enough to cover obstacles and deadfall in the woods above 9500 ft., but decent 'recycled powder' skiing up to about 10,800 ft. Strong winds had created variable snow conditions above that, with bare rock widely present on exposed terrain (mainly N-W-S aspects) above treeline. Encountered legitimately good skiing in trees on a leeward NE aspect, from just below treeline, and down to about 9500 ft.
Avalanche
11,000, NE aspect in Northern Indian Peaks/Southern RMNP. None observed.