Front Range
SnowpackNoah Sievers · Dec 21, 2020 · Front Range
Weather
Weather observations are in regard to the Cameron Pass and the Lake Agnes area, between 9,600ft to 10780ft from 0900-1400 MST on 12/21/2020. The day was overcast, with 6/8 visibility and low, orographically formed altostratus opacus clouds. Cirrus floccus clouds were noticeable above the lower clouds before reaching 9,000ft. Sun was not visible from time in field, and high alpine terrain was not visible (above approx. 11,0300ft). Temperate remained consistent through day, around 25F. 15-20mph winds from the West, with gusts up to 45mph throughout the day leading to fast moving clouds. Very light snowfall persisted throughout field time. Snowfall ramped up and flakes grew larger near 1400 MST as the high pressure system moved out.
Snowpack
Below TL and near TL elevations contained large pockets of wind drifted snow, that all sits on top of softer snow. Small terrain features without shelter have formed cornices on windward sides. Cracking noticed within near-surface layers when touring. Regardless of slope degree, whoomphing was also easily heard, and at times felt. When trailing off of the skin track; snowpack did not hold new weight easily and each step caused multiple near-surface layer collapses plus deep ski penetration depth.