Front Range
SnowpackAndy Nelson · Dec 15, 2016 · Front Range
Weather
Warmer temperatures were found higher in the Poudre Canyon on the drive up to Cameron Pass. New snow accumulation on the ground was approximately 2-4 inches. Sky remained overcast all day, with light wind speeds. Now new snow accumulation during time spent at pit location and skiing (9am-2pm).
Snowpack
Test Pit Location: Elev: 11,200 Aspect: NE Angle: 30 Test pit was conducted north of Montgomery Bowl near treeline. Overall snowpack of Montgomery bowl was wind affected. Test pit revealed total snow depth of 100cm. Compression tests (2) indicated weak interfaces at: CTM12 @ 18cm down CTM15 @ 35cm down CTH22 @ 85cm down Results of extended column tests (2) did not produce propagation, except when additional loading steps (ECTN35 @ 85cm down) were done resulting in sudden, clean fracture causing column to slide easily into snowpit: ECTN12 @ 18cm down ECTN18 @ 35cm down Overall, weak layers of large facets were found at and near the ground and test results confirmed persistent slab problem is present in Cameron Pass zone.