Front Range
AvalancheAaron Rose · Nov 19, 2023 · Front Range
Weather
Calm winds below ridgeline with occasional sustained 20mph+ gusts on ridge tops. Observed temps between 24-27 degrees at 11750 feet at 11 am. Obscured visibility above 12k and complete cloud cover.
Snowpack
Snowpack is very thin for this time of year in this zone with variable depth from 2-3 cm in open areas to 30 cm or more in well-sheltered areas at/near treeline . Snow above treeline is holding best on leeward aspects (easterly to southeasterly). Cornices are developing above Jones Bowl. Ridgetop snow at around 12,400' in protected areas are as deep as 165 cm with new snow over a weak layer and a 5 cm melt-freeze crust overriding a weak layer of faceting snow.
Avalanche
Triggered small slab releases on descent on easterly slope between 30-33 degrees between 12500 and 12000' elevation. Limited propagation. Rider triggered a soft slab on southeasterly slopes steeper than 35 degrees at 11700' with wider propagation compared to higher elevation.