Aspen

Avalanche

Amos Whiting · Jan 9, 2018 · Aspen

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Weather

The day started mild clear with light wind. The wind increased steady through out the day. At times the winds were blowing out of the east and there was a crescent snow wind ridge. Not a cornice more of a drift near the ridge top. The winds increased out of the west to create snow tornadoes. Then as the front approached the winds were strong 30mph out of the SW.

Snowpack

Rain crust at 10,500 ft. As we descended the snow became more and more saturated. After the 20 degree slope in the track (which was the worst I have ever skied it) the willows got thick and for real and it was survival skiing for 1500 ft with a walk out. HS 115 cm NE aspect 11500 feet

Avalanche

We came on two old D2 SS on NE aspects in the trees on Pinky Rib. They looked as if they happened on christmas.