Aspen
AvalancheAnonymous · Dec 19, 2016 · Aspen
Weather
cold. relatively clear. calm to light wind out of NW with localized plumes on tall summits.
Snowpack
there was about 60 cm at the Markley with noticeable strong over weak layering. We had many whumphs and some shooting cracks from Markley to summit and also skiing back down. ski pen was around 15 to 20 cm on average and evidence of previous wind effect in the area especially near saddle. there looked like some needly surface hoar from bench at 10800 to summit of green.
Avalanche
we saw lots of avalanches that ran during the cycle. -near the prospect mine on ENE 10800 feet Natural R3 D2 old snow / ground -off the craggy peak climbers left of standard ascent from markley to the green mountain basin ENE 11000 feet R4 D2 old snow / ground. Soft debris comes down into trees that you skin through / near -On final ridge push to summit leaving the saddle, small steep slope climbers left of you into terrain trap. ENE aspect 11700 feet R5 D2 old snow / ground - E aspect above American lake 12000 feet D3