Sawatch
AvalancheAnonymous · Jan 29, 2019 · Sawatch
Weather
Clearing skies, light northwest winds with some stronger gusts, seasonably crisp temperatures.
Snowpack
Observed periods of light blowing snow near TL from the West and Northwest. Snow surfaces in exposed terrain near TL point to previously strong winds from a variety of directions.
Avalanche
1. A small natural slab avalanche from a steep E aspect above TL on Prospect. This area is a frequent flyer which has already slid a few times this season. It looked to be ~48 hours old. 2. A relatively recent large slab avalanche on the S/SW side of Little Ellen Hill. This avalanche looks to have released in the last 48 hours--probably from recent Northeast winds. I have seen numerous AS, AM, and N slab avalanches in this area over the past 5 years but this is the largest slide with the most impressive propagation yet--widespread propagation and change of aspect from S to SW across the bowl. 3. Also observed an older crown in the choke of the prominent couloir on West Dyer--W aspect above TL.