Front Range
SnowpackIan Fowler · Feb 28, 2024 · Front Range
Weather
Extensive wind transport but only loading affectively near treeline.
Snowpack
Below treeline where the wind was not affecting the snow there was about 20 to 25cm (10 inches) height of storm snow. The height of snow below the treeline was about 100 to 140cm, with a couple of weak layers in the top 60cm and then progressively harder to a weak bottomless feel for the lowest 20cm. Near treeline on an easterly aspect I dug a profile next to an avalanche that probably fan on 2/27 during the peak of the wind and snow. The avalanche appeared to fail on a layer of facets just above a firmer layer about 20cm below the surface. Tests showed more reactivity on a layer of facets a further 10cm deeper. In this location, I have seen some of the largest depth hoar this season. PST test show that with a big enough load this layer still has the potential to be reactive. Above treeline the wind has really been at work! High elevation west through north to northeast are almost striped back to dirt apart from in gullies and around terrain features. On easterlies the snow is patterned with wind drifts and scouring (see image below). Traveling in loaded areas I was able to get large collapses and shooting cracks and then a few meters over I was standing on scoured slopes. Up high I dug on a southeast aspect and found a facet crust layer down about 40cm. This layer still seems like it is the layer of primary concern although we will have to watch a layer of facets below the storm snow although this layer is not as widespread as the crusts.