Sawatch

Avalanche

Chris Martin · Feb 17, 2019 · Sawatch

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Weather

Gracies Ridge - N Side 11660' East Aspect SCT NO Precipitation Light winds 1-5 mph only at times WSW TAir -7C TSurf -9C

Snowpack

Traveling up from TH around 11,500' - 10-14" new snow above MF/Cr NW-NE Aspect New snow F Hard and unconsolidated Pit site @ 11660' - E-SE Aspect of Gracies Ridge N 23 degree slope HS 160-175cm -50-60cm From Surface, significant Layer 1-2mm FC CTESP, ECTP28 & (2) ECTN results -100cm From surface 1-3mm FC, CTMSC, ECTX -Base of snowpack consisted of 3-6 mm DH, This layer was variable in thickness anywhere from 15-30cm thick. DTTH SC, PST 40/150 END Reactive Persistent Slab Identified Wind slab N/O around snow stake area Implications: We skied low angle Westerly Slopes. We are worried about the 3 distinct PWL's we Identified. 50, 100 and 150cm down. Seeing Propagating Results on 50 down and 150 down it will be a while until we expose ourselves to avalanche terrain where this problem lurks. If any avalanches were triggered on steeper slopes, we guess these will step down very quickly to deeper weak layers entraining the whole snowpack. Destructive potential could be very large. Multiple Collapses observed throughout travel and one small crack observed.

Avalanche

N/O