Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Dec 24, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Warm and sunny, southerly winds were strong enough for snow transport on exposed ridgelines at the highest elevations
Snowpack
On an exposed southeast-facing slope at 11,600 feet, the total snowpack depth was 60 cm with a moist snow surface. Only one, very thin and unreactive crust was found about 40 cm from the ground. Extended column tests produced no results. At the same elevation on a north facing slope, total snowpack depth was 93 cm, with .5mm facets making up the top 15 cm. The mid-pack slab lost most of its ability to support a skier, and only a thin 10cm layer at about 50 cm from the ground remains 1 finger, the rest of the snowpack is 4 finger to fist, or fist- as the bottom 30 cm of depth hoar is. What is left of the slab still supports propagating extended column tests though on the October depth hoar layer. ECTP11-14
Avalanche
Many undocumented large avalanches that ran during the 12/14-15 cycle, mainly on north through east aspects above treeline.. Most crowns were softened and drifted in.