Sawatch
AvalancheArden Feldman · Apr 7, 2018 · Sawatch
Weather
Weather varied significantly with elevation. Whiteout with strong winds above 13,000 feet through the day. NTL and slightly above TL was snowing moderately early in the morning but by later in the morning became overcast with moderate winds and warm temps. "T-shirt weather" in town.
Snowpack
Around 12 inches of dense new snow that got wet below, near and slightly above tree line by mid day. The new snow was quickly disappearing BTL by the afternoon. Heavily wind affected ATL.
Avalanche
Significant natural avalanche activity observed today. One large natural R2-D2 slab avalanche observed on a NE aspect of West Sheridan. It appeared to have failed near the ground in places and been a persistent slab avalanche. It occurred sometime last night or this morning. Observed several R1-D1 loose wet avalanches in the afternoon on southerlies ATL. Observed one natural R1-D1 wind slab on a SE aspect ATL. I intentionally skier triggered an R1-D1, 18 inch thick soft slab on a loaded convexity on a W aspect ATL.