Aspen
AvalancheMatt Huber · Nov 12, 2020 · Aspen
Weather
Mostly clear skies and cold temperatures. Winds at the highest ridgelines above 13,000 feet were strong enough to blow snow although it appeared to be sublimating more than loading.
Snowpack
On east to northeast-facing slopes near and above treeline, the total snowpack varied between 25-45 cm. Exposed easterlies had a 1-2 cm melt-freeze crust near the surface with a slight dusting of fresh snow on top. The surface layer was becoming faceted. On protected northerlies, the snow pack was mostly unsupportive recent snow that was faceting top to bottom. A shallow wind slab formed above treeline but didn't seem to be stiff enough for propagation past my skis.
Avalanche
On the east side of Independence Pass, Star mountain. A small cornice drop triggered a shallow wind slab just below ridgeline. The debris looked to travel several hundred vertical feet and triggered a small persistent slab avalanche lower in the track.