Front Range

Snowpack

Scott Edlin · Dec 17, 2012 · Front Range

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Weather

overcast, moderate snow, blowing snow, 10-20mph westerly wind est, gusting to 30mph est, 15F est, 0F wind chill est

Snowpack

20cm-40cm HST, extremely variable coverage, poor base, small fresh soft storm slabs, lots of exposed rock in the aprons, extensive wind transport, frequent collapsing, frequent Q1 shooting cracks (irregular, spiderweb-like networks), frequent Q1 "D" shaped half-moon cracks around skis. large (3mm+) columnar basal facets, some 6mm+ long, poorly bonded into larger columns, lots of air space that collapsed easily. did not attempt a formal profile. quick ski-pole column failed on isolation in basal facets layer.