Vail & Summit County
SnowpackJustina Liss · Dec 5, 2022 · Vail & Summit County
Weather
3 pm on 12/5, Northwest facing slope on Baldy, 11,300 feet. Few clouds overhead but a looming band of solid clouds sitting over the Tenmile range. Air temp 30F, Moderate winds out of the west with strong gusts. Wind transport was evident, especially at higher elevations above treeline. The baldy ridgeline looks quite wind scoured with vegetation still poking through the snow.
Snowpack
3 pm on 12/5, Northwest facing slope on Baldy, 11,300 feet. Quick pit dug in an area sheltered from some wind by trees. Total snow depth of 50cm. 10 cm of approx 2mm, angular grained facets at the bottom. 25cm of smaller decomposing grains (approx 1mm), topped by 15 cm of softer, finer grained snow. All layers fist hard. While breaking trail across a nearby open slope, found isolated pockets of a small breakable slab of snow under my skis.