Snowpack observations from today, 12/5, from the Front Range area near Breckenridge, Summit County:
The snowpack is finally starting to get a bit deeper around here but is holding more problematic layers. After skinning to the top of our objective I performed a quick snow profile at 3:00 PM on a NE facing slope around 11,700 ft. The slope angle was 34 degrees.
The snowpack was wind loaded in this area and the average snow depth was 60 to 65 cm. From the ground to a height of 15 cm a depth hoar is becoming well formed with facets from 3-4 mm in size. From 15 cm to 30 cm a layer of 2-3 mm facets with a bit more consolidation was observed. From 30 cm to 45 cm a fist hard slab exists which appears to be from the previous storm cycle. At 45 cm a 1-2 cm crust layer was observed with a first hard slab of soft snow from our current storm cycle above it to the surface. Faceting is occurring above and below this crust layer.
Pit results were CT7 Q2 at 45 cm, CT10 Q2 at 15 cm, and ECTP12 Q2 at 15 cm.
Snow is continuing to come down so it will be interesting to see how this will affect our current snowpack.