Front Range

Avalanche

Nick Barlow - Powder Addiction Snowcat · Jan 5, 2015 · Front Range

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Weather

I imagine this is not an isolated observation, but, we had freezing rain throughout our entire zone today, off/on throughout the afternoon. It was observed up to ~11,500", on all aspects. Westerlies 15-20mph, gusts near 40, but variable throughout the day w/ periods of calm. Afternoon temperatures @ treeline near 30F. Liquid precip was freezing on contact - wind shield, goggles, skis.

Snowpack

Active wind loading with strong west winds transporting any available snow. By the afternoon, there wasn't much left to transport. Windward aspects above treeline were scoured, and lee aspects were very firm, approaching sastrugi. Multiple ski cuts/hand tests did not release or shear. No observed natural releases. Very different results vs. Saturday (1/3/15) where surface wind slabs were very touchy. 2-3mm rain crust was observed zone-wide by the end of the day. No signs of instability (cracking/collapses/releases).

Avalanche

None