Aspen
AvalancheBruce Edgerly · Jan 7, 2023 · Aspen
Weather
Partly cloudy, calm, 25-30 degrees F
Snowpack
Dug test pit in "Fridge" area at approx. 10,850', E-facing, 31 degree slope. Snowpack height: 300 cm. Persistent weak layer observed at 180 cm depth. Compression test failed on this layer during column isolation, but results could be skewed by nearby vegetation.
Avalanche
Recent approx R2D2 dry slab avalanche observed from bottom of drainage in same zone on similar aspect and elevation. Could have been remote or skier triggered. Crown face appeared to be 1-2 meters, fracture approx 100m wide., ran across two benches to several hundred feet above Yule Creek Rd. Coded here https://classic.avalanche.state.co.us/caic/obs/obs_report.php?obs_id=73497