Aspen

Avalanche

Jared Berman · Dec 2, 2021 · Aspen

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Weather

Clear skies and light winds from the NW. Temperatures were warm and just above freezing at 11,000ft

Snowpack

Height of snowpack averaged 35-65cm of facets all the way to the ground on north through northeast facing slopes near and above treeline. Boot penetration was to the ground. Surface forms consisted of widespread surface hoar resting on top of 1mm facets on most terrain that is not sheltered. I was surprised to see in the early morning that sunny aspects seemingly had a weak freeze overnight as snow was moist and lacked cohesion even in alpine terrain.

Avalanche

It was easy to trigger small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain on north through east facing slopes. These avalanches only gouged a few centimeters into the snowpack but perhaps could be enough to knock you off your feet.