Vail & Summit County

Snowpack

Brad Sawtell · Feb 11, 2011 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Mostly clear with a few clouds. Looking to the west, the Gore and Tenmile ranges were obscurred due to blowing snow. Temperature above TL was -9C but felt colder due to steady, moderate WNW wind.

Snowpack

HS near and above tree line is around 215 cm's. Wind loaded areas are much deeper. Snow surface is wind affected with sculpting and etching. Just below tree line on N'ly aspects, the surface is smooth and recycled. Experienced no signs of instability other than seeing a natural cornice fracture on the NE face of Independence Mountain, located between Keystone and Montezuma.