Front Range

Avalanche

Japhy Dhungana · Mar 11, 2021 · Front Range

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Weather

At 1130, Lake Haiyaha zone, temps in the mid-20's. Mostly cloudy with varying snowfall throughout the day, from trace up to S-2 at times. 3-5" of accumulation throughout the day by 1300. Moderate winds from the West, visible wind-transport below ridge tops.

Snowpack

The storm snow was bonding well to the old snow interface on the Northerly and Easterly aspects. HS on N-E aspects varied from 120-220cm. Storm snow above Lake Haiyaha measured 22cm. New snow on the solar aspects (SE-S-SW-W) were notably less, 4-10cm with a distinct melt-freeze crust below. No cracking, whumphing or storm slab formation observed. Small wind-slabs forming on test slopes on leeward aspects. In the distance ATL, observed distinct wind-lips and growing cornices below the higher ridge lines whenever visibility allowed. Isolated Wind-slabs would be the greatest concern NTL and ATL, especially at start-zones.

Avalanche

Small loose-dry avalanches (D0.5) in steep terrain over 45* from the storm snow.