Sawatch
AvalancheJason Konigsberg · Apr 13, 2017 · Sawatch
Weather
Skies were mostly clear for the majority of the day. During the late afternoon cloud cover increased and skies are overcast at present (5 PM).
Snowpack
North slopes that are above treeline still have a winter-like snowpack structure. The surface snow consists of hard slabs of slick wind-drifted snow and breakable wind crusts. On east and northeast aspects that we traveled on, the snow surface became moist and we experienced minor rollerballing. Although the upper 2-3 inches has undergone multiple melt-freeze cycles, cold and dryer snow exists beneath. Beneath this dry snow layer is a very firm crust. It will take a lot of heat to break this crust down and for wet activity to gouge deeper into the snowpack. Southeast slopes above treeline have similar characteristics as stated for east above but the extent of warming is greater, about 6 inches deep. All above treeline slopes were very supportable to skis.
Avalanche
Small Loose Wet avalanches in steep and rocky terrain.