Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Feb 25, 2020 · Aspen
Weather
Cold, temperatures struggled to make it in to the positive numbers by mid-afternoon. Northwest winds were strong enough to visibly transport snow on surrounding ridgelines in above treeline terrain. Near treeline and in lower elevations, minimal new wind loading was seen.
Snowpack
Snowpack depths are generally between 160 to 180 centimeters along the east-facing side of Richmond Ridge. The fresh, 20 to 30 centimeter wind slabs along the ridge are stubborn, with only isolated cracks that don't travel more than a few meters. Extended column tests produced moderate to hard, non propagating results at the new snow interface. No other results could be forced. Although the February third facet layer is clearly visible, it is unreactive here.
Avalanche
Although visibility was poor, several wind slabs avalnches were seen along the Conundrum side of Highlands ridge on east and southeast-facing slopes above treeline. Avalanche debris could be seen on Hayden and in paths farther to the south but no details could be made out. The crowns that could be seen all appeared to be limited to recent wind slabs and not stepping into deeper layers