Front Range

Snowpack

toured up Dry Gulch via the road/valley to saddle at Loveland Ski Area boundary. descended north-facing terrain back into Dry Gulch, then climbed towards Citadel and skied a south-facing shot, both up to 33 degrees or so. descended valley to 11,200ft and climbed up north-facing slope below Mt. Trelease; skied similar aspect back into Dry Gulch, up to 33-34 degrees. Widespread natural avy cycle from before high-pressure period has many paths almost filled in again. we observed no cracking, whumpfing, despite stomping on test slopes. mid-pack has significantly stiffened/strengthened since a tour in the zone two weeks ago. wind-skin developing on top of most recent storm snow. observed no recent avalanches. skiing marginal and highly variable, from good wind-pressed to grabby zipper crust to undisturbed storm snow on bulletproof sun crusts. surprisingly stable, skied north, SE, and south aspects.