Central Mountains
AvalancheNolan Peach ยท Dec 8, 2019
Weather
clear/sunny, fairly calm, and slightly warmer (around 30 degrees) at ~12,000' on the N/NE aspect, at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Snowpack
At and above treeline on the N/NE face is holding approximately 2.5' - 3' deep, with lots of variation in pack. Riddled with wind slabs, some of which are fairly large in spread. Notable melt/freeze layer about 1' down anywhere with much sun exposure. Very unstable and unpredictable, even on low angles. Below treeline on all N, NE, and NW aspects are holding much more consistent pack at nearly the same depth with a less sever melt/freeze layer and minimal wind disruptions.
Avalanche
No full avalanches were triggered, however two two large wind slabs were cracked and shifted underfoot on 20-25 degree N/NE aspects at approximately 12,000'. Route finding in the alpine in this area is currently very difficult due to the size and instability of the wind slabs that have been developing in the large gaps between new snowfall. These slabs are predominately resting on top of a thick melt/freeze layer, topped with powder, and resting on small hoar crystals. If planning to be above treeline in this area anytime soon, it is imperative to travel with a partner and be exceedingly cautious in regards to the aspect and especially angle in this terrain. Large slabs were cracking on slopes even as low as 5-10 degree angles, though were not showing any potential for sliding on such low grades. There was a sizable wind slab that slid on the East aspect of this area, appearing to be naturally triggered, and was on steep terrain, over 50 degrees. Appeared to have been approximately a 1' thick wind slab, spreading 50-100' in width and descent, and looked to have happened within the past few days. Travel in most of the Leadville area is currently going to serve you best if limited to staying between 10,750' - 11,700' on North and Northwest aspects.