Front Range

Avalanche

Ken Yaphe · Jan 2, 2021 · Front Range

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Weather

Mount Machebeuf, SE Ridge, Elevation: 11800', Aspect: 140 AirTemp: -6C, Sky: FEW, Wind: NNW-Moderate, Precip: NO, BloSno: I@>12.5K

Snowpack

25cms recent snowfall decomposing precipitation particles and rounding grains on top of 20cms of older fist hard facets. This entire load on top of a 4cms thick, Pencil hard melt-freeze crust approximately 21cms above the ground. Large (2-3cms) basal facets and depth hoar from ground up to 17cms. Boot penetration almost to ground.

Avalanche

Pit was located just down hill about 100' from avalanche on east face of Machebeuf at 11900. (HS-U-R3/D1.5-I). Estimate size: .5mx500'x100'. Crown almost obscured by new blown snow. See photo.