Loveland basin

 Moderate outflow winds throughout Thompson Pass are currently redistributing snow, creating areas of windslab, sastrugi, and generally undesirable surface conditions. Early-season conditions exist throughout our forecast area with snow depths ranging from 1-2 feet at road level to 3+ feet in upper elevations.  Small storms have been gradually depositing snow above 3500' since mid-October. Our largest snowfall for the year, at the end of October, deposited 20 inches of snow at 4000' with lesser amounts at road level on Thompson Pass.  A shallow and weaker snowpack from road level to 3500 feet was observed near the top of Thompson Pass. Areas above 3500' have formed a stronger snowpack about 120cm deep, showing good structure with stability concerns limited to isolated pockets of mostly shallow windslabs. Currently, Nick's weather station is reporting 32 inches of settled snow at an elevation of 4280'.  Similar snow depths were found at the same elevation in Loveland Basin. Plenty of hazards exist, including shallow, unsupportable snow, exposed rock, and variable snow surfaces. 

A weak snowpack from road level to 3500 feet ranged from 1-2+ feet deep. Surface snow was soft, windblown powder with a moderately supportable base of faceted snow underneath. Snow structure deteriorated near rocky areas with easy foot penetration to the ground.  Above 3500', the snow depth increased to 120cm with an improved structure (See pit).