Aspen

Avalanche

blase reardon · Nov 29, 2014 · Aspen

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Weather

Intermittent strong winds - plumes off Mt. Sopris late morning, lots of gusts at road level 4 pm, but light winds at ridgeline.

Snowpack

HS avg 80 cm (~10% settlement since 11/25). 55-60cm thick slab F+ --> 1F at base. ~20cm thick rounding FC/DH F/F+-->4F at base. Rounding in all pits and hasty pits. Layer softer on shady side; DH there larger, originally better developed (cups w striations). Crust seen at top of FC on 11/25 not present in other pits. 11/22 interface not reactive, though more planar (Q2) shears. Scattered hard wind drifts & pillows cross-loaded btl. Tracks from past few days have filled in.

Avalanche

Several previously-reported crowns on N-facing slopes into fridge from earlier in storm cycle. Several large natural wet loose slides in Carbonate Creek, likely from previous day.