Front Range

Avalanche

Mike Wallace · Jan 3, 2023 · Front Range

Weather

11,240' Overcast, Steady snowfall 2cm/hr from 1:30 to 4:30 pm during obs continuing while leaving Jones Pass Trailhead. NNW/NW Winds 10 to 15 Gusts 25. 10 to 12 F.

Snowpack

Fist plus slab over a rotted out crust and basal facets. Soft Slab about 20"/50cm thick on a fragile and failing crust. Below the crust is 2-4 cm basal facets, an easy step down to ground scenario. Open areas were showing signs of wind transport and a forming wind skin.

Avalanche

SS-U-R1-D1-O. Just above Jones Pass Road on SSE facing aspect Below Treeline at 11.240' el.