Aspen

Avalanche

blase reardon · Mar 27, 2016 · Aspen

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Weather

9* at trailhead but felt 20* warmer in sun. Warmed through the day, though still cold out of direct sun. Could see breath. Calm until early afternooon, when ridgeline winds picked up. Small plumes off summits. Clouds also increased, though never more than scattered.

Snowpack

Surface snow conditions much more dependent on sun exposure than elevation. Some wind-dappled surfaces in basin; some small drifts along ridge. Otherwise, few signs of fresh wind drifting.

Avalanche

Small, Loose Wet avalanches on steep, sunny slopes NTL, mostly from yesterday. Didn't seem to be a widespread cycle, though we were on shaded slopes in afternoon. Small Loose Dry slides on highest, steepest slopes, many from near end of storm. 1 small Storm Slab avalanche from 3/26 on steep, unsupported NTL slope.