Front Range
AvalancheMichael Bortnowski · Nov 16, 2014 · Front Range
Weather
Winds not as bad at this time as previously forecasted. At ridge line the wind speeds were as indicated, at the test pit and avalanche location winds were almost non-existant roughly ~5mph.
Snowpack
Bottom 4-6 cm of snow were well developed basal facets roughly 1-2mm in diameter. From there on up there was loosely consolidated new storm snow. Minimal wind effects in this location so I would have called this a Soft storm slab.
Avalanche
Skied down to steepening terrain held close to more tightly spaced trees and got above the slope in question. Made a hard cut left above the slope that rolled down and funneled into a gully that was more wide open than the surrounding area. Successful avalanche trigger, party of 2 stayed above the slide and runout zone and cut hard skiers left into less steep and more treed terrain and skied out avoiding the problem area.