Front Range
AvalancheRyan Lewthwaite · Feb 5, 2020 · Front Range
Weather
An arctic morning with temperatures at -15F early. A mist of snow was falling but almost imperceptible. Any winds were light, from the south, and really increased the wind chill to an uncomfortable level. The skies were broken.
Snowpack
The recent storm snow was settling and a surface wind skin had formed during light winds from the south and east. On an east aspect near treeline we observed a layer of near surface facets just over 80cm from the top of the snowpack. This is the layer to be concerned about with an incoming storm at this aspect and elevation. New snow loads on persistent weak layers can create large avalanches, especially with 80cm of firm slab above. Warning, terrain over 35 degrees will be prone to avalanches where persistent grains are buried amidst the snowpack. We are entering a period of Avalanche Watch with this upcoming storm.
Avalanche
No new avalanches to report.