Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Feb 8, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
The temperatures remained in the low teens throughout the trip. Southwest winds were consistently strong enough at ridgeline to visibly blow snow onto northeast facing slopes.
Snowpack
At treeline on south and southwest facing slopes, the total snowpack depth ranged between 130 to 170 cm. There was a 2 centimeter knife hard crust at 25 centimeters from the surface with a facet layer above and below. This layer produced a moderate propagating result on extended column tests, ECTP 11. Shooting cracks as well as a small D1 avalanche on a cut bank test slope were observed on this layer as well. A second propagating result was observed at 50 centimeters from the surface on another facet/crust combo . The slab was significantly stiffer above this crust (4F+).
Avalanche
Most avalanches appeared to have initiated in storm or wind slab instabilities and broke into persistent weak layers. Several barely visible crowns were likely from mid to late January, ie. East Roaring Fork #1.