Sawatch

Avalanche

Becs Hodgetts · Feb 8, 2019 · Sawatch

Weather

Mostly clear day with light wind loading on north ridges above 13000'.

Snowpack

I estimate average HS at 1m (based on crown evidence. The avalanche released as a relatively shallow wind slab propagated approx one third the distance of the start zone. As it wrapped down the south ridge the crown became deeper (approx 2-3') entraining more snow and entered a "gun barrel" terrain feature which funnels all debris for approx 2000' before fanning out in the runout. This aids a (relatively) small avalanche for the path to reach the roadway.

Avalanche

Avalanches noted on 4 above treeline peaks with an east bend to them. Most began under ridges or below cornices.Propagation across the slopes was noted, as were a few smaller symathetic (?) avalanches. Most stepped to ground in places, but appeared to have begun in a midpack layer or between the new winds slab/old snow surface.