Front Range
AvalancheJason Isherwood · Nov 26, 2016 · Front Range
Weather
Warm bluebird weather today and yesterday, snow earlier in the week.
Snowpack
Snow pack showed two distinct layers forming on N/NE aspects on the pass containing a persistent weak layer with around an 8" slab on top of it.
Avalanche
The avalanche appeared to be previously triggered by a skier (based on tracks) who took a few turns down the route and possibly triggered it but was able to avoid the slide It is also possible that this avalanche was natural and the tracks represented someone investigating the slide as well. NE aspect, ~12,200' elevation - I'd estimate R2, D2. The crown was about 8-12" and it slid to a weak layer very close to the ground itself. It broke right at 12,200' near the entrance of the North Chute route and slid through the entire couloir spilling out into the gully below