Aspen
SnowpackBrian McCall · Dec 29, 2012 · Aspen
Weather
Cold temperatures in the valley but they warmed once we climbed out of the inversion. Thin overcast skies all day. Moderate south winds increased to strong at ridge tops by late afternoon.
Snowpack
As is typical for the Ashcroft area, found a very shallow snowpack. HS near the trailhead was around 20cm. Easterly aspects near 11,000 ft had only a 40 cm snowpack. A few wind drifted pockets on northeast aspects near that elevation held 60cm at most. Most of the snowpack below treeline was either recent storm snow or facets. All low density with little slab formation other than recent wind drifted pockets.