Aspen
SnowpackBrandon Levy · Dec 5, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Snowfall rate of 1" per hour at 0830 which slacked by 0900 then came back in at the same rate around 1000. Skies where generally obscured with periods of overcast and broken. Temperatures warmed to above freezing and light rain was observed at the roadside snow stake at 8200' at 1200. Light west wind.
Snowpack
Snow depth at the summit was 17" and there was 32" near the Lone Tree Bowl start zone on an east facing slope at 9700'. 6" of new snow by 1030 was dense and rimed with a liquid water content of 9%. The 11/25/19 layer/interface appeared to be near-surface facets in the area observed. Profile was dug in sheltered clearing with no surface hoar apparent. The 11/20/19 depth hoar was present in portions of the profile wall but not observed in other portions. This is congruent with early winter photos of the area showing patchy snow on the ground before the snow began to fall in the last ten days of November. (ECTN21 down 55cms on 2mm DH) See profile and photo. Rain mid- path on Flatiron and lower path in Lone Tree Bowl . . etc was melting snow.