Grand Mesa
AvalancheColin Mitchell · Nov 28, 2016 · Grand Mesa
Weather
Snowfall increased in intensity and overall accumulation amounts as I moved south across the Mesa. Storm totals on the south side and on top are likely in line with weather station reports of 10-12". Winds were very light, and not a factor. No blowing snow.
Snowpack
HS is 24" in the study plot. This is almost exclusively snow that we have received since the 18th of November. Cool temps have inhibited consolidation, and foot pen is around 18" in the study plot. The main concern is pockets of older snow in shady, north-facing areas. This snow has become well-developed depth hoar in many areas in Western Colorado. Little of this snow exists in the highway corridor. The main concern is subsequent snowfalls now that the talus-filled tracks of the paths have been mostly filled in.
Avalanche
None observed or reported