Front Range

Avalanche

John Sittler · Apr 5, 2017 · Front Range

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Weather

Mostly sunny, 10-15 degrees, occaisional wind but mostly calm

Snowpack

14-16" of new storm snow above solid melt-freeze laye

Avalanche

Just above 110 cliffs, ESE aspect, approx. 38 degree slope angle at the point of release, which was a convex rollover below the bench separating the middle and lower 110s. Below treeline, approx. 11,000ft. After skiing the middle 110s, group of 3 skiers regrouped at the bench between middle 110s and 110 cliffs, Skier 1 put in a ski cut just below the bench, at the top of a convex rollover above the cliffs. Avalanched released near the top of the rollover, with skier 1 finishing his ski cut safely. Crown was approximately 10" and the slide was 15ft wide and ran for 100-125ft (believe R1 D1). Soft storm slab. Skiers traversed safely back to lower angle slopes. Given the forecast for the day, this slide happened exactly where and how it could be expected.