Front Range
SnowpackAmanda Loughlin · Dec 22, 2023 · Front Range
Weather
Temps in the high 20s, few clouds, and calm.
Snowpack
As previously mentioned, the snowpack in this area is still thin. From the trailhead to 11,000ft the Height of Snow (HS) varied between 0-15cm. After 11,000 ft the snow became more continuous and fragile. I stepped off the skin track on east aspect at 11,000ft and ski penetration went to the ground (30cm) on facets. This occurred on other shaded east and northeast aspects below and near treeline up to 11,800ft. In areas that received direct sun below and near treeline I noticed a crust. I dug a pit on an east aspect near treeline at 11,800ft and found 15cm of 3mm sized depth hoar. The HS in the area ranged from 60-40cm and it was the most snow I encountered on the tour. Two Extended Column Tests (ECTs) both propagated at the depth hoar layer. Windward and leeward aspects above treeline were either stripped or loaded, and I found a small wind drifted area at 11,800ft that produced cracks.