Aspen

Snowpack

Jared Berman, Sean Smollen · Nov 30, 2020 · Aspen

Weather

Weather was cold clear and calm on a NE aspects at 11,000ft. Temperatures were cold around 16°F at 11,000ft.

Snowpack

Snowpack was generally cold as we only traveled on a NE aspect today. From the trailhead to near tree line, we found a mostly faceted snowpack with 1-4mm surface hoar resting on the surface (see photo). This was especially apparent on terrain that was open to the clear sky above such as breaks in the trees. Within the trees, the snowpack was thin at about 7.5" but contained significantly less faceted snow. As we moved above timberline, we dug two pits on a NE and N facing slope. Both snowpits had a similar structure with about 7.5 inches of fist hard snow resting on top of a 1 Finger mid-pack. At the base of the snowpack we found a 10cm layer 2-4mm facets which was a cause for concern. Three extended column tests yielded failures at this basel layer with the following results: ECTP 21 on NE faceing pit. ECTP 13, ECTP 18 on North facing pit.