Vail & Summit County

Snowpack

Zach Taylor · Mar 17, 2011 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

sustained 5-10mph winds in valley with gusts up to 22mph. Seemed like winds were fairly calm most of the time with occasional wind gusts. Did not observe any snow blowing off ridges and loading.

Snowpack

Snow was very water saturated/isothermal seemingly to the ground. I did not dig a pit but could push my pole through the snow to the ground without feeling much distinctive layering. While skinning I plunged through to my knees and higher on multiple occasions. All this was between the altitudes of 9000' and 10100'. Difficult riding conditions as well. It was difficult to stay on the surface on the way down. Freeze line was definitely well above 10000' feet last night.