Sawatch

Avalanche

Becs Hodgetts · Dec 5, 2018 · Sawatch

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Weather

Temps remained steady throughout tour. Winds light and gusty with light snow transport at all elevations.

Snowpack

Below treeline on SW slopes HS ranged from 1m to bare. Snow structure consisted of December's storm snow over November snow; mostly supportable to skis, with boot pen close to ground. A 4F to F "slab" over only slightly weaker November snow was also weak (F-F+). One facet sluff was observed on a north facing bank above the road. Near treeline, shooting cracks were observed with the addition of a skiers weight on wind drifted slabs.

Avalanche

L-AU-R1-D1-O. Demonstrates the possibility of triggering small loose facet sluffs on steep below treeline terrain.