Front Range

Snowpack

John Snook · Dec 28, 2010 · Front Range

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Weather

Clear, calm winds with only occasional 5-10 mph wind from SW near treeline. Temps around -3 to -4 C at TH and near treeline.

Snowpack

About 5cm soft surface snow from 12/27 morning storm. Getting just a little moist on surface during afternoon near TH below 11,000'. More consolidated snow underneath. October ice lens still obvious at 10-15 cm above ground. Faceting occurring above this layer at 15-39 cm. This is the layer of greatest concern where stability tests failed. Hard results though, suggesting low probability of triggering, but potential high consequence results. Consistent with MODERATE avalanche danger. Facets and early signs of depth hoar below 15 cm. No signs of instability - no collapsing, cracking, or recent slide activity observed.