Aspen
AvalancheBrian Lazar · May 6, 2022 · Aspen
Weather
Warm. Day started with high tin clouds which dissipated around 10am. A cool, steady, moderate breeze below up valley (from the north) all day. Winds were strong enough to drift snow in the alpine
Snowpack
The recent storm snow settled more than sheeted off in loose wet avalanches. The recent snow is now only 2 to 3 inches deep. Snow became wet by mid day below around 12,500 ft but would only sheet off the underlying stout layer-cake of crusts around 20-30cm thick. The underlying crust layers were supportable in boots all day except below 10,200 ft in dense timber were I would punch through to around knee deep. Basal facets have seen water through them at least below 12500 feet and no longer pose a concern. Ample signs of drainage being established throughout the snowpack near and below treeline. Snow stayed cold and drifted in the alpine though my observations were limited and from a distance. Suspect wind-drifted slabs are still a concern above 12,500 feet in isolated wind-loaded slopes.
Avalanche
Just small dribblers 2 to 3 inches deep running out of steep rocky terrain. Nothing reach D1 in size today.