Aspen
SnowpackAspen Expeditions · Jan 3, 2013 · Aspen
Weather
See snowpilot pit graph.
Snowpack
We descended from the sub ridge (std route) into the pinky trees. The first few pitches are a combination of rocks, pockets of wind slab, and some powder. Overall the cover is thin. HS at 11,800 on the east aspect varied from 10-100cm with the average around 70cm. Hand pits showed 20cm of either low density or 1F windslab over 30cm of 0.5 - 1.0mm mixed forms, at the bottom 20cm were 4+mm depth hoar. No cracking noted but I had a collapse which traveled out about 20' from my location as I came across the slope. Once in the trees windslab became more isolated to non-existent and the snow surface was consistent. Did a pit (see attached) at 11,270 in the trees right above the steep pitch. Pit showed that we have strength building in the midpack with typical facets and depth hoar from 35cm to the ground. Had moderate to hard ECT results in the pit with clean SP sheers. I would think that we did not have more cracking and collapsing or avalanche triggers due to the strength of the midpack (1F layers). A yard sale fall or 300lb skier on rando skis may be an easier trigger. Ski pen was around 20cm where we did our pit. Foot pen was 60cm. HS at 10,000ft was around 70cm with 50cm down at the river.