Sawatch
AvalancheDanielle Perrot ยท Jan 5, 2015
Weather
On 1/1/2015, snowed approximately 2-3 inches and winds were calm. On 1/2/2015, there was no precipitation or cloud cover, and winds were calm until midday, at which point winds were relatively light in the valley bottom (5 mph), more gusty at treeline (10-15 mph), and significant blowing snow was observed on ridgetops (generally blowing SE down-canyon).
Snowpack
Probing and a few quick pits indicated snow depths on ESE facing slopes at treeline at approximately 11000 ft ranging from 90-125 cm, with approximately 10 cm of faceting at the base. On 1/1/2015, significant whoomphing was observed on northeast-facing slopes at treeline. On 1/2/2015, significant whoomphing was observed on a shady southwest-facing slope, shady east-facing slopes, and on flats in the valley bottom.
Avalanche
Some natural activity observed above treeline on 1/2/2015: point releases on lee-loaded southeast facing slopes below rock outcrops.