Front Range

Avalanche

Mike Wallace · Jan 30, 2016 · Front Range

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Weather

Humidity in mid to upper 80 Percent range for previous 48 hours (1/27-1/28). Winds WNW 15 to 25 same period, except for some gusts in the 30's. Skies clear to mostly clear for period. Temps in mid teens with little fluctuation from day to night. Good sun exposure on ESE aspects through mid morning for both days. Clear skies made for possible gradient at snow surface as it cooled.

Snowpack

Being in a ski area, most terrain has traffic compaction. However, there are some closed East and ESE facing bowls that we have not affected yet. These represent most backcountry conditions to date. Possible PS conditions with 4F to F wind slab covering top 12"-18" of snowpack. Surface hoar formation was widespread and noticed on the morning and during the day of 1/28. Aspects covered were the ESE aspects of the northern ends of high elevation, bowls at ridgeline (12,600'). Crystal size ranged from 3-5MM with some larger. Recent winds may have torn down these crystals but some pockets may remain as formation was very widespread on these aspects.

Avalanche

None reported.