Front Range

Avalanche

Eric Haskell · Dec 23, 2017 · Front Range

View on map

Weather

Light snowfall in am trending towards moderate snowfall in afternoon. Light west winds increasing to moderate in afternoon with strong gusts. Moderate to heavy blowing snow, increasing with elevation. Poor visibility, obscured skies.

Snowpack

New snow fell on bare ground up to 9,800'. Persistent weak layers(facets) observed in hand pits above 9,800' laying under new snow. 5cm new snow at trailhead at 10am. Ski penetration 55cm on NE slope around 10,800' around 1:30pm. Cracking in top few cm's on ascent, more noticeable in loaded areas. Full thickness cracking in new snow on descent. No whumps noticed.

Avalanche

No avalanches observed; did not have visibility of an slopes steep enough to slide.