Front Range
SnowpackIan Fowler Austin DiVesta · Jan 19, 2023 · Front Range
Weather
It was a typical day in RMNP after a storm. The winds were blowing strongly from the west but thankfully dropped in the afternoon.
Snowpack
Reactive wind slabs up to about 40cm (16") deep were found on many north through east aspects. We were able to remotely trigger some small pockets from flat ground. The shallowest snow depths we observed were about 120cm (4ft) and in many areas of continuous snow depths were over 3 meters(10ft). However, snow depths varied wildly over short distances, with 3-meter depths just a short distance from Talus. On an easterly aspect close to treeline we observed a snowpack gaining strength. Basal weak layers were starting to chain, and a stiff mid-pack slab resisted Extended Column tests. Short-cut lengths on Propagation Saw Tests, however show the potential is still there if you find a weaker area of the snowpack. On a high northerly bowl at 12,000ft over 3 meters of snow was found. On the shallowest part of the slope we again found a very strong mid-pack and some surface instabilites.