Front Range
SnowpackAnonymous · Jan 22, 2017 · Front Range
Weather
Sky oscillated between Few to Scattered, yet was more sunny that expected. Below TL the temps were comfortable, 25F, yet above it was cold, with the windchill estimate at 5F. Moderate winds above TL from WSW in area, and light snow transport at ridge top.
Snowpack
Primary observation: NE-SE aspects, below, at and above TL, where recent storm snow had formed into wind slabs or was stiffening/settling, we were able to get small pockets to release on numerous, small test slopes >35 degrees. Most susceptible to release were on convexities. Most were running on two different weak layers at the old/new interface - surface hoar and surface facets. The releases were not large, largest was ~4 meters, i.e., not propagating. We also observed a few small soft slab releases (R1/D1.5) on steep slopes, above TL/high alpine, on E aspects. I would make special note of these observations and instabilities as the slab over these weak layers stiffen and as the next storm approaches.