Sawatch

Avalanche

Ben Pritchett · Feb 27, 2019 · Sawatch

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Weather

Partly cloudy becoming overcast in PM. Warm temps. No blowing snow observed despite moderate winds.

Snowpack

Generally weak below treeline. Thin 2" thick "slab" down about a foot. Depth hoar below, facets above that. Simple and weak structure in sheltered areas. Near and above treeline, the winds indiscriminately built slabs and scoured just about every aspect. Southwest has the least snow, but the freshest avalanche in the area ran on a cross-loaded southwest-facing slope. We travelled over lots of ground with no collapsing or cracking observed.

Avalanche

Several avalanches from last two avalanche cycles on a variety of aspect near and above treeline.