2009/10 Snowy Range snow conditions

[sprinter]

We have a group coming over from central IA this weekend (25th-28th) if any body is looking to meet up with some one to ride with feel free to pm me..been out there about a dozen times but always lookin for new spots to tear up if you have any to share..probably be riding out of Albany because a couple ppl have to rent sleds..just let me kno

 

[treehunter]

Anyone want to ride tommorow afternoon im done with class at ten and wanna head up need a riding partner though. PM or call 307-272-4009

 

[mwmod97m]

Thanks, keep us updated there will be four of us there Thursday morning.

 

[diggler]

whats the conditions like be out there thursday afternoon

 

[coyoteman]

whats the conditions like be out there thursday afternoon

I'll let you know. LOL

 

[sled n]

2/25/2010

Just got down off the mountian. Snow was over the windshield all day long. This morning trail had 18" or more of fresh powder. Nothing like blazing trails on a groomed trail. Snowed hard all day which made visibility terrible.

 

[HappyJack]

AVY FORECAST 2.26.X

Backcountry Avalanche Forecast for Front Range

Issued 02/26/2010 6:21 AM by John Snook

Highlights
New snowfall and moderate winds are combining to create fresh wind drifts and slabs primarily on NE-SE-SW aspects above treeline. Human triggered slides are probable in these areas. Less signs of instability reported from below treeline locations.


Avalanche Danger
The avalanche danger for the Front Range zone is CONSIDERABLE on all aspects near and above treeline. Below treeline the danger is MODERATE.


Snow & Avalanche Discussion
New snowfall amounts around the Front Range zone range from 1-6". Wind speeds above treeline were around 20 mph from the northwest to north, which is a perfect speed for moving snow and generating fresh winds drifts on east through south to southwest aspects. These are the areas of primary concern. Avalanche activity from earlier this week was mostly confined to above treeline locations many of which were wind affected. These slides failed on a buried weak layer of crust and facets.

Observers are noting less wind effects below treeline and less signs of instability in these areas. But remember the weak foundation of basal facets persists in the Front Range snowpack. The weather for the next couple of days is forecast to be mostly sunny and this will not hurt the snowpack. Snowfall amounts have varied this week across the zone. Be most careful where local snowfall amounts are greater and fresh wind loading is creating new slab on buried weak layers. You will most likely find these areas above treeline on northeast through southeast to southwest aspects. If you find signs of instability such as recent avalanche activity, cracks that propagate, or whumpfing, then you need to avoid terrain steeper than 30 degrees in these areas

 

[dcturbo]

We saw a few cracks and some slides in the Madres on Wednesday this week. And the Snowies have and are getting more snow that the Madres..
So be careful out there boys!!

 

[sprinter]

rode out of green rock today....visibility was great and the snow was immaculate.. if any body is worried about fresh snow I wouldn't be if i were you.. heavy traveled areas even had some untouched and you can find 3 feet of pow without heading too far off any spot along N-O..talked to the guys that work at snowy range rentals and they said the weather is supposed to be beautiful all weekend.. load'e up and see you tomorow...

 

[sled n]

Look out for that rock

I told him not to go up that verticle face.

 

[sled n]

Retards

Today while riding I came across these two retards asking which way the trail was.

 

[newmy1]

wow does the snow look great in the snowies!

 

[Mafesto]

We saw a few cracks and some slides in the Madres on Wednesday this week. And the Snowies have and are getting more snow that the Madres..
So be careful out there boys!!

LEaving in the morning for Saratoga.
Glad to hear the snow is good!

 

[treehunter]

great snow again today still lots of untouched

 

[RickM]

great snow - tons of vehicles at green rock

Had lots of untouched deep snow today, had a ball, but couldnt believe all the vehicles on the east side. Every one must have heard that the snow was great. No reason for any one to go home disappointed. Rickm

 

[Qreiff]

Lot's of great snow to be found. All of the "highly used" areas are pounded out as to be expected. More snow on the way I hear.

On a more somber note:

AVY DANGER IS HIGH!!! Pay attention.

Yesterday morning there was a slide that buried a young man. 5 total group, 1 shovel, no beacon on the buried victim. Luckily first stab (hit him in the back) located the victim. A couple guys from our group assisted with shovels and digging. Victim was approx 36"+ down. Once victims head was uncovered, he was unconscious and not breathing. He did start breathing on his own quickly. Mentioned he was "dreaming". (Super scary close to losing him.)

This story has a happy ending. I believe the victim was o-kay besides being mentally shaken.

Once again, if you are in an avy, mistakes have been made. Another person high-marked above the victim and kicked off the slide. Lack of shovels??? No beacons????
Happy ending don't always come in these circumstances. It's been said a thousand times on this website and many others and, I guess, it needs to be said again and again and again...................GET EDUCATED, GET EQUIPPED! No one is immune to what can happen in the backcountry.

God bless this young man and the people that acted quickly and saved him!

 

[coyoteman]

snow was great, hood deep with a base.untouched everywhere we went. first trip we never tore anything up, lol. pics later.

 

[sled n]

avy

Where did the slide take place? I saw quite a few slides over the last three days. I would say this has been the most slides I have seen on a single weekend. I was stuck up on a west facing hill and about two feet down there is a 8 inch layers of sugar, not very good snowpack at all.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Wow! Frightening experience.

 

[scubba steve]

That was right south of widow maker on that range. from what I was told