Front Range
SnowpackSam Ridley · Feb 19, 2022 · Front Range
Weather
It was clear all day, with no wind below treeline increasing to light to moderate gusty West winds near and above treeline. At the end of the day, strong West winds could be seen transporting snow on above treeline ridges.
Snowpack
We found soft new snow on the surface below treeline, then an increase in blowing snow and cohesion of the new snow as we approached treeline. Above treeline there was a greater increase in blowing snow, accompanied by large cornices on ridge lines, pillowy and smooth textured snow, and greater surface snow cohesion. We dug a snowpit in the trees below Montgommery Bowl (NE, =TL, 11,050', 26° slope, 27°F, CLR, L W wind, 180cm HS, dug 120cm). We found a weaker layer 32cm below the surface (CT 27 Q1), but it did not propagate (ECTN). The snowpack was right side up, going from less than fist hard on the surface to one finger at 120cm down. In areas where wind has built a denser slab on the surface, and with the additional weight of the next storm's snow, we will be watching how this new weak layer adjusts to various loads while making conservative terrain choices.