Aspen

Avalanche

blase reardon · Dec 19, 2016 · Aspen

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Weather

Clear skies. Warm in sun, despite cold temps.Blowing snow and small plumes visible on lee (E) sides of some ridges and peaks.

Avalanche

Numerous crowns from natural avalanches visible on NW'erly faces and slopes below ribs and spur ridges. All looked fresh - crowns distinct, little/ no snow on beds. Occurred very late in storm. Most broke >15 m below ridgelines. General pattern looked to be lee sides of ridges that were top- or cross-loaded by southwesterly winds. Numbers and sizes approximated. Large natural in Maroon Bowl described elsewhere. Notable exceptions described separately below.