Steamboat & Flat Tops

Snowpack

Did not get too far from the highway, but the snowpack was very similar to that in Front Range. Avg HS around 135, and mostly weak from top to bottom near the Pass. Could not find slabs in the mid pack. Most relevant observation was the intense wind transport from very strong west to northwest winds. 10" of new storm snow was rapidly moving into sheltered areas and lee slopes. At times it was full white-out conditions. You could watch drifts being built in 20-30 minutes. Talked to Steamboat Powder Cats at Buff Pass. More like 6-8" there and winds were more like 20 mph from the west, Similar loading patterns, but less intense. Expect fresh wind slabs 2 feet thick on all east to south aspects near and above TL. Winds strong enough to load slopes closer to TL more than in the alpine. These conditions extended through the Fraser valley in up to Berthoud. At 2pm, received reports of lot of drifting snow near and on the west side of the pass to 2nd Creek.