Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Ian Hoyer · Feb 21, 2016 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Nice and warm day in the mountains. Not much transport visible on the surrounding peaks.

Snowpack

Snowpack below treeline was depth hoar capped by rounding facets, with melt-freeze crusts on some aspects. 5-10 inches of newer windblwon sun sat above the crust. Mostly not supportable on foot, while supportable to a snowmobile. No propagation in a snowpit on an east aspect just below treeline. The snowpack quickly transitioned to hard and wind packed above treeline. Leeward slopes looked fat from the last storm.

Avalanche

Observed several small pieces of cornice fall, but no recent slab avalanches.