Vail & Summit County

Snowpack

Brad Sawtell · Jan 7, 2011 · Vail & Summit County

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Weather

Mostly clear with a few clouds coming and going. Mostly near freezing temps. Slight wind chill. Noon time winds were more NW. By early afternoon, shift to W and even WSW.

Snowpack

Interesting transitions from below TL to TL and above TL. Fresh surface hoar at all elevations in sheltered areas. Below TL, mostly a faceted snowpack. Near TL, very complex layering with few natural signs of instability, i.e. cracking/collapsing...some, though limited. Above treeline, very interesting. Mostly strong layers though weak layers abound and several poor interfaces. Very wind jacked.