Active wind loading and numerous recent large avalanches:
Several Naturals on E - NE aspects of Colorado Peak- all D2's (starting zone just below ridge tops)
Natural D2 on SW aspect of Tenderfoot (starting zone 2500')
Natural D1.5 wind slabs on S aspect of Manitoba - its possible that these were older than this week... unconfirmed.
Observation: Summit
Location: Summit Road obs
Drove through Summit Lake between 3pm and 4pm. Observed significant flagging/blowing snow along ridge tops on both sides of the road. NW winds were primarily loading Eastern and Southern slopes. Recent natural avalanche activity was reported earlier in the week on Southern and Eastern aspects following a similar strong wind event on 2/27 -2/28. It was difficult to know if all of the natural activity observed today (3/2) was from earlier in the week.
Observer Comments
Weather
Strong NW winds
Clear skies
Temps - single digits F near ridges and teens near road
No precip
Snow surface
Blowing and drifting snow along road in some places and on Summit Lake
Natural avalanche in Colorado E facing bowl (across the street from Summit Lake Lodge)
Natural avalanche on Colorado NE facing bowl (as seen near Gravel pit)
Natural avalanches hidden behind trees on E aspect of Colorado
Natural avalanche on Tenderfoot SW aspect (~2500)
Natural wind slabs on South aspect of Manitoba
Significant wind transport on Fresno Ridge
Wind loading on E aspect of Fresno Ridge as seen from near the Gravel pit
Wind loading South aspect of Wilson's South with W aspect of Silvertip in the background
South end of Fresno Ridge - Flagging was significant
Summit Lake - pulled over just as winds mellowed out, but drifting snow was observed at road level in this area