Aspen
AvalancheBrian Lazar · Feb 1, 2019 · Aspen
Weather
Very warm, blue bird, and breathless day. Felt like spring conditions at this lower elevation area
Snowpack
The snowpack here was surprisingly thin and weak. This area usually has a deeper snowpack similar to those typically found near Marble or off Huntsmans Ridge. This is not the case right now. Average height of snowpack is around a 100 to 120 cm below 10,000 ft, and up to 140cm near the ridgelines at 10,300-10,400 ft. Mid-pack slabs are 1F to 4F in hardness and discontinuous across the terrain. Slabs are no more than a couple/few meters across in sheltered areas, but up to 20 to 50 meters across in open wind-affected terrain. Boot pen is to the ground almost everywhere, and even ski pen would go to the ground in many areas. Steep open slopes are not confidence inspiring here, and we avoided all terrain that fits this description.
Avalanche
Saw a few large avalanches from the last cycle. Looked to be at least a week old. All on steep northeast-facing terrain.