Front Range
AvalancheAnonymous · Jan 1, 2014 · Front Range
Weather
~10 degrees F. Snowing Wind from west/northwest, ~20mph Southeast aspect below treeline, about 11,000 feet
Snowpack
Did not dig a snowpit, 10-15 fresh/windblown snow Probing the snowpack in the area suggested 3-9 inches of facets at base of 2-4 feet of medium density snow.
Avalanche
The avalanche occurred at a roll over with convex slope on the northeast end of the cliff band in the area, below the aqueduct. I ski cut the upper portions of the slope with no response. I went down and my wife and ski buddy watched the slope break above me after I skied 3-4 turns, and broke 40-50 feet wide, average 18" crown but as much as 3-4 feet at its max section. Tough to determine how far it ran, but the slide seemed large for the area and ran with more energy than I would have anticipated. It ran to the ground. I was to the skiers left of the slide, and saw it slide past me during my descent. I was to the left of the path (although it's difficult to call this a 'path') when it past me. I was not captured.