Front Range
AvalanchePaul Rogers · Dec 29, 2013 · Front Range
Weather
Temps around 8-10 in AM and 10-15 in PM. Winds light 10-20 from the NE in AM then shifting to NW. Cloudy with extremely light and intermittent snowfall. Small amounts of east facing rime observed on trees at high elevations. Light in-storm wind transport of new snow observed in Alpine - Northerly winds transporting to Southerly aspects. Minimal wind transport observed in area toured. Late in the day observed increase in wind transport at ridgetops.
Snowpack
Snowpack height averaged 80-100 cm with some wind deposited areas reaching 140cm. New snow 7-10 inches in area toured, low density, resting on surface hoar and facets on shady aspects and resting on very weak crust on sunny aspects. In area toured most of the low and mid pack was faceted and weak. In some specific wind loaded areas found persistent slabs and recent wind slabs yet overall, a very weak snowpack. Found surface hoar intact on shady aspects at/above TL under new snow. Skiing quality in the alpine and at TL was extremely good.
Avalanche
Observed numerous loose sluffs on steep N-E aspects. Initiated a few loose sluffs on 30 degree terrain while skiing. Avalanche activity from last 48 to 72 hours observed but believe most of these have been reported. Observed no slab avalanche activity from today.