Aspen

Snowpack

blase reardon · Dec 1, 2014 · Aspen

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Weather

New snow measured 5% density at Ajax study plot. Calm at McFarlanes, which is well below ridge. Saw some snow blowing off Highlands Ridge and lower on Ajax, but think snow moving because it's so light and little wind loading occurring.

Snowpack

Variable snow depths: 30 cm wind exposed areas, faceting slab & trapdoor conditions developing. 60-80 on sheltered N. 45-60cm thick slab growing progressively harder with depth (F hard to 1F). Sitting on ~10cm 2mm rounding DH. K hard ice layer at ground many places, but varies in thickness from 2-10cm. On slopes that didn't hold Oct snow, a few cm moist FC at base, w similar slab. 11/22 IF more distinct on these aspects. NSF to 2cm. producing planar shears in hand pits; very minor cracking. About 25 cm below surface.