Front Range

Avalanche

Ryan Zarter · Nov 30, 2020 · Front Range

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Snowpack

I traveled primarily on east to northeast aspects near and above treeline. Surface hoar was prevalant in most areas I traveled. The upper half of the snowpack consists of fist hard faceted grains. This sits on top of a faceted 4F slab over basal facets. See snow pit profile for more detail from a northeast aspect. ECTN results were observed at the slab/basal facet interface as well as at the ground. Isolated pockets of harder slab could be found near features that had experienced previous, significant wind loading. I did not observe any cracking, whumphing, or other signs of instability.

Avalanche

I saw a few very small to small loose dry avalanches on steep road banks and steep, rocky areas.