Front Range
AvalancheGeorge Walton · Mar 23, 2014 · Front Range
Weather
Sunny, cool, breezy below tree line, nuclear on Divide Ridge line. Winds dropped off once on leeward slopes. Significant increase in wind as morning progressed.
Snowpack
Six to 12 inches of new snow (precip and transported) ATL on a firm base. Approximately 12 inches BTL with a noticeable 2 to 4 inch sun bake/temp gradient layer below the new snow. Localized cracking observed above the saddle cornice while punching thru the Divide Ridge. Approximate cornice height 6 to 8 feet. Cornice height significantly larger than two weeks ago due to wind loading. Encountered a hollow bottom layer while gaining the Divide Ridge at the saddle.
Avalanche
None observed in the immediate or surrounding areas.