Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Mar 28, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Warm, temperatures were in the low 40's near and below treeline. Moderate southwest winds kept the snow surface solid above treeline. Winds at ridgeline were strong enough to transport snow but very little loading was happening.
Snowpack
Southerly aspects near and below treeline were becoming wet and unsupportive by 1:00 pm. Above treeline, winds kept the surface cold and chalky. The winds did not seem to be effectively loading lee aspects above treeline. Shallow wind slabs that are likely from early in the week were not reactive. Surface conditions above treeline are scoured and smooth and may provide a fast running bed surface for the incoming storm.
Avalanche
A shallow wet slab released on a south facing slope near 10,000 feet above the Hellroaring trail on the Avalanche Creek side.