Aspen

Snowpack

Chad Mickschl · Feb 20, 2011 · Aspen

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Weather

Gusty winds out of the the SW on wind exposed ridges below treeline at 9500 to 10,000ft. Winds were loading NNE facing slopes as we traveled.

Snowpack

Observed Natural Cornice failure on N facing aspect at 9600'. Also experienced moderate cracking in windloaded pockets facing NE. Cracks and soft slabs were sliding on New Old snow interface about 25 to 30cm deep. Cornices have been drifted heavily and were reactive from distances and failing as we walked on the ridge lines. Also experience moderate collapsing on Southerly aspects. Pit on NE aspect at 9500'. Two layers of note: 40cm down near surface facets 1mm showing signs of rounding.(Pencil hard layer above this). CT13 RP. Surface Hoar layer 65cm down. CT14 RP. ECTN22 at 65cm down.