Front Range
AvalancheAndy Nelson · Feb 1, 2020 · Front Range
Weather
Pleasant and sunny BTL in the am. Strong ridge top gusts experienced at 12,000ft on the summit and east side of the Table Iron, approx 40-50mph at max. Strong enough to push an adult to the ground. Temps 20-30F approx. Sky was clear to scattered throughout the day. No new snow. Snow transport still taking place in the alpine on the Table Iron.
Snowpack
HS on east side of Table Iron above tree line ranged from thin to exposed talus to 170cm in some spots. Dug several hasty hand pits and probed while skinning. In places where the HS is at least 30-40 cm, there was newly drifted snow of F hardness resting on a 1F/4F+ mid-pack slab. Below this, faceted depth hoar is present of F hardness. Observed several spots of wind loaded terrain, smooth pillows, and punchy snow. Lots of rimed rocks, trees, and tundra up there as well. Below tree line was holding better snow, although it remains faceted below midpack and the new snow from the past week.
Avalanche
Got a nice strong look at the Northern Never Summer Range and the Medicine Bow Range, including Nokhu, Diamond Peaks, Montgomery, Sawmill, and Hotdog Bowl. Did not observe any evidence of recent avalanches. Observed some cinnamon rolls and minor loose wet on solar aspects BTL at the end of the day.