Sawatch
AvalancheTom Hobss · Feb 7, 2023 · Sawatch
Weather
Clear no wind.
Avalanche
NNE side of the base of the summit ridge of Homestake Peak just above the trees. A large avalanche broke just NNE of the ridge, on surprisingly low angle terrain (< 28 degrees). It must have been at least 200 - 300 meters in width and 150 - 200 in length down the slope. The fracture line was easily visible from more than 3 miles away, so it must have been at least 5' deep. This was a big, dangerous slide in an area frequently visited by people lodging at the 10th Mountain Hut. It would have seemed to be a safe route, up a ridge on low angle terrain. I was, frankly, astonished to see it. Please warn people that climbing Homestake Peak on a seemingly safe ridge is dangerous on the NE side.