Aspen

Snowpack

Debbie Kelly · Dec 20, 2012 · Aspen

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Weather

yesterday it was snowing moderately with winds out of the west moving toward nw and north during the afternoon.

Snowpack

We were checking out the Aspen Mtn. Powder tour area, packing roads and putting in traverses. Everywhere we went there were shooting cracks that would open a few inches if we were on anything close to 30 degrees. We skied several 25-30 degree slopes and the whumphing and cracking was widespread. The slab was very soft, new snow with very little wind effect as that area is so protected. We tried to kick off some small steep pockets but most held on with compressive support from the bottom.