Sawatch

Snowpack

Becs Hodgetts · Apr 7, 2015 · Aspen

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Weather

730am. Crisp morning that quickly warmed up when you got into the sun. Clear skies,light west winds. 19F.

Snowpack

Stout crust ~20cm thick on valley bottom. Could not break through with foot. Northern slopes above treeline still hold snow. West slopes almost completely bare (with the exception of shaded and lee gully features). As are southern slopes. East aspects have small cornices and patchy snow cover. Beeler Grade 1-3 holds snow; coverage diminishing as you move north, and terrain curves to the south.Depth of snow on road: 25cm between gate and tress before LZ. 40-70 cm's between trees and switchback. Directly under Beeler some rocks are mixed with avalanche debris. Drifts up to 130cm deep. Average snow depth 90cm.