Aspen

Snowpack

Strong winds from the weekend of November 26 and 27th have added more variability to the early season snowpack in this area. Lee and cross loading evident on most peaks in this valley. Wind loaded pockets could be found in exposed areas below treeline as well. Recent dry and clear weather has contributed to the formation of a significant surface facet layer making up the upper 15-20 cm of the snowpack on terrain facing northwest, north, northeast ,and east. Mild temperatures this week have created on melt freeze crust on southerly aspects, about 2-4 cm thick and breakable. Found moist facets below this crust at lower elevations today.