Front Range
AvalancheJason Maurer · Dec 26, 2016 · Front Range
Weather
Below the "Dream Shoots", E/NE aspect, 10,100ft. Overcast with strong to intense winds out of the west. Temps in the single digits with wind chill factors most likely in the teens. Extensive downwind transport of snow in turbulent suspension mode observed.
Snowpack
Some extensive snow transportation has taken place below treeline and especially at treeline. Portions of the Lake Haiyaha summer trail leading up to the Terrain Park were almost unrecognizable due to funky wind effected drifts up to 75cm thick. We decided to rethink our plan and turned around at 10,400ft, on an east aspect approach steeper,cliff exposed terrain. Pit dug at 10,100ft below the Dream Shoots influenced this decision. Measured snow pack height at this location was 195cm. Performed 2 column tests both with the same results- CTV down 45cm that " popped and droped" into the pit upon cutting the back of the column. Shear quality of 1. Failed on .3-.5mm buried surface facets. Continued on with tests and got a CTM down 75cm that failed on a buried graupel layer. Observed some major wind slab development anywhere from 15-20cm above treeline on the DT apron to 75-85cm approaching the Terrain Park at 10,400ft.
Avalanche
None Observed