Front Range
AvalancheMatt House · Apr 16, 2018 · Front Range
Weather
Just above Emerald Lake at about 10,600ft. The day started off cloudy with some strong wind gusts but gradually got more sunny by noon with some passing clouds. Temps at Bear Lake were around 50F when we got back to the car around 2pm.
Snowpack
Appeared to be about an inch or so of fresh snow at Bear Lake when we arrived around 9am. Small rollerballs and snow/ice melting off cliffs were observed as the morning heated up, mostly off faces where the sun was hitting (E/SE/S). We noticed very rapid heating as we ascended the lower part of Dead Elk couloir just above the apron. That was when we decided to descend to the lake and noticed even wetter snow at about 10,100ft
Avalanche
Noticed a small slide in newer snow below the cliff band under Hallett Peak on east facing terrain at about 10,600ft. This happened just after 12pm.