Aspen

Snowpack

Matt Huber · Dec 14, 2019 · Aspen

Weather

Snowing during the entire trip, nearly an inch an hour at times. West-southwest winds were strong enough for moderate drifting snow in open areas near treelne, visibility was poor but assume heavy and efficient loading above treeline.

Snowpack

Near treeline the total snow depth on a northeasterly-facing slope was 110cm. 25 cm of recent storm snow rests on top of a buried surface hoar layer at 84 cm from the ground. Extended column tests produced easy propagating results at this layer, ECTP5. The mid-pack is right side up 4 finger to 1 finger hardness down to 30 cm, separated visibly by a degrading surface hoar and facet layer at about 40 cm from the ground which is unreactive. The October depth hoar layer produced moderate propagating with Extended column tests ECTP 14-17. Ski penetration is limited to storm snow, boot penetration is full depth with more productive collapsing