Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Kreston Rohrig · Nov 24, 2018 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Storm day: Snowing S1 for most the morning intensifying to S3 with periods of S5 after 1:00pm. The winds were swirling from SW to NW at a steady 20-30 gusting frequently to 40s. Near and above treeline was full on as my partner described: "it seems like it is snowing from the ground and the sky".

Snowpack

Heavy drifting near and below treeline in any area that would catch the snow. It was hard to nail down the exact height of new snow as it blew around as soon as it landed. Above treeline at the top of the ridge, the snow surface was getting stripped. With limited visibility, it was hard to distinguish any significant loading on leeward slopes. My guess is that loading patterns were more significant further down the slope due to the high winds.

Avalanche

Small natural or plow triggered R1/D1 avalanche observed in The Narrows on Vail Pass during the drive home. Crown appeared to be only in the new snow.