Sawatch
AvalancheGrant Robbins · Dec 8, 2020 · Sawatch
Weather
A) Weather within the SW Chute: Elevation 12,630'-13,710' -Clear skies, wind calm, temperature 25F. B) Mt. Democrat SW Ridge: Elevation 13,710'- Clear skies, wind E/NE ~15mph.
Snowpack
Several quick pits throughout the day with variable conditions: 1) Just above Lake Emma (12,630'): SW facing slope. Depth 30-45cm. Mostly unconsolidated snow. Small shaded areas with nearly unbreakable top crust layer. Time of observations around 1000. 2) Base of SW Chute around 13,000' up to 13,710'. Several quick pits. Depth ranged from 45cm-75cm with deepest snow in middle of chute. Slope angle ranged from 34-40 Degrees. Mostly thin crust on top of unconsolidated facets at times to the ground and times on top of few cm crust. Approaching 13,710', weather was much warmer and upper crust layer started to thicken with mostly unconsolidated snow to the ground. Time of observations 1030-1130.
Avalanche
3 Skiers, 1 dog. Left Winter trailhead below Kite lake around 0845. CAIC avalanche forecast discussed amongst the skiers for the day at the trailhead and during the hike with an objective to ski the SW chute of Mt. Democrat. Hiking boots required till around 12,300' where skiers transitioned to skis and skins along with beacon check. Was able to skin over a very thin snowpack to lake Emma (12,630'). Skiers transitioned to boot packing at the lake. First snow observations were made at this point and discussion amongst the group regarding best approach to get above the knoll above Lake Emma. Followed previous bootpack from 12/5/2020 up right side of chute making several quick pit observations and measurements of slope angle. Skier # 1 dropped at exactly 1230 while skier #2 and 3 remained on the ridge. Skier #1 made several slow turns at the entrance of the chute due to thin snowpack. Around 13,550' skier #1 was able to link a few consecutive turns when wind slab triggered sweeping skier #1 off of their feet and losing left ski. Skier #1 yelled "Avalanche" and was also able to use radio device to skiers #2&3 during the slide. The dog was ahead of skier #1 and was within the slide initially, but able to exit the debris at the bottom of the chute unassisted/uninjured. Skier #1 was carried approximately 100-150' and remained on the surface and was not buried and no injury. Skier #1 stopped approximately 2/3 down the chute and left ski was carried to bottom of debris. Radio Communication was made between all skiers and were able to to ski/hike out.