CAIC

CAIC: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

HW Zone Observation Report

Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 12:00 AM
McClure Pass

Details

Date: 2022/12/29

Observer: Brandon Levy
Organization: Forecaster, CAIC

Location

HW Zone: McClure Pass
Area Description: Lone Tree Bowl Avalanche Path

Weather

Ridgeline Wind Speed: 5-10 mph
Ridgeline Wind Direction: NW
Temperature: 25 F
Sky Cover: Obscured
Depth of Total Snow: 40 in
Most Significant Precip Rate: S-1 - < 1 cm/hr
Weather Description: Cool with obscured skies and light wind from the northwest.

Snowpack

Snowpack Description: McClure received 17" of snowfall with a snow water equivalent of 1.5" from this most recent storm. The persistent weak layer from the mid-November drought period is down about 2 to 2.5' above Lone tree Bowl. Long column tests showed propensity for propagation (PST 25/100 End down 60cm on 4-8mm DH). The overlying slab is fist to 1 finger hard while the weak layer is still fist hard.

Media

Images

<b>Figure 1:</b> The northeast-facing portion of the Lone Tree Bowl avalanche path start zone above SH133. (December 29, 2022) (<a href=javascript:void(0); onClick=win=window.open('https://caic-production.imgix.net/krnge2mpyjq24nv9cd5vndtauphm?ixlib=php-3.1.0&s=618088412a332796bc3ee40ac63a6aa7','caic_media','resizable=1,height=820,width=840,scrollbars=yes');win.focus();return false;>see full sized image</a>)

<b>Figure 2:</b> Propagation saw tests continue to show propagating results after the saw is around 20-25cms along the 1m long column on McClure Pass at 9700' on a northeast-facing slope (December 29, 2022) (<a href=javascript:void(0); onClick=win=window.open('https://caic-production.imgix.net/vip5wskaydxy95vqbetilrybkyed?ixlib=php-3.1.0&s=d95c7e3c0eca929d881aa858c20134e5','caic_media','resizable=1,height=820,width=840,scrollbars=yes');win.focus();return false;>see full sized image</a>)