Location: Kebler Pass Area
Date of Observation: 02/25/2020
Name: Zach Kinler
Aspect: North, North East, South East, South
Elevation: 10,000′-11,200′
Avalanches:
Observed 1 shallow slab avalanche low on slope just above a cliff band on Axtel. Poor vis prevented good views of the Ruby Range.
Weather: Partly Cloudy and Cold with light-moderate northerly winds near and below tree line. 10F at trailhead to start and finish tour, not sure it warmed much in between. Blowing snow observed in open areas at all elevations.
Snowpack: Avoided drifted slopes greater than 35 degrees. Below tree line sheltered north aspects had 12″-15″ snow since 2/23. Quick hand shears yielded stubborn results as new snow was bonding well. No signs of instability skiing on slopes over 35 degrees. Once on the ridgeline the winds were transporting snow into 1-2 ft drifts.
Quick pit on SE at 11,200 HS:170 cm PF: 45 cm. 3 MFcr in the upper snowpack all produced non-propagating ECT results. No signs of instability on this sheltered slope.
Mt Axtell, north aspect
SE 11,200′
Wind transport from northerly winds near treeline.