Vail & Summit County

Avalanche

Kreston Rohrig · Dec 13, 2019 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Intense snowfall when we first arrived to the top of the pass at around 10:30am with rates in the S3-S5 range. Showers lingered throughout the rest of the day and new snow accumulation totaled around 20". Below treeline the winds were fairly calm and snow fell straight down. Above treeline though, west winds were ripping. Speeds were sustained at 20-30pmh with higher gusts into the 40s (estimated). All the new snow was being rapidly loaded onto east facing slopes.

Snowpack

Below treeline the snowpack gained significant depth. Storm totals averaged around 20" from yesterday. No signs of instability were observed below treeline. Near treeline deep drifts were forming behind tree stands and larger object many feet thick. Above that, wind-ward slopes were scouring down to rock. We tried to observe lee-slopes but were turned back by the vicious conditions.

Avalanche

None observed.