Sawatch

Avalanche

Ian Hoyer · Jan 23, 2016 · Sawatch

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Weather

Warmest day of the season. Moderate west winds, but no real snow transport.

Snowpack

Found strong and deep wind drifted snow on NNW-N aspects near treeline. HS 2.5-3 meters. Dug down 1.5 meters and found solid 1 Finger hardness snow, several interfaces with ECTN11-15. West to south aspects have a thin new suncrust (1 cm thick). Quick pit on W aspect near treeline revealed a nicely rounding snowpack, much stronger than in other areas. Small surface hoar in shady areas, very spotty, mostly melted by warm temps.

Avalanche

Old debris visible, but nothing fresh.