Sawatch
SnowpackBrad Sawtell ยท Mar 9, 2011
Weather
Mostly clear and bluebird. Warm. Above freezing at 10,400'. Near and above TL, -4C. Light to moderate NW wind. Blowing snow on ridge lines
Snowpack
Not as much snow in this area as in parts of the V/S zone or further to the south. HS=150-180 cm's near TL. Found well settled though largely faceted on W-N-E below tree line. Near TL to slightly above, found two distinct ice lenses from previously warm temps. E aspects between 11,500' to 12,000, thick ice lens with percolation tubes below, 40cm's from surface. lots of cohesion less facets between ice lenses. Test scores on this layer showed easy to moderate compressions and no ECT failures. Experienced no signs of instability.