Sawatch

Avalanche

Sean Smollen · Nov 24, 2022 · Sawatch

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Observation photo 1

Weather

Air temp stayed below 20F on N facing aspects at all elevation bands. Calm winds, no blowing snow observed throughout tour. Clear skies.

Snowpack

At upper elevations (>11,500') , on N-E aspects, where wind has deposited snow, a 5-45cm windslab rests on large grained facets.

Avalanche

1 avalanche triggered on a due North aspect @ 12,450'. Wind slab was noticeably softer than other nearby wind drifted pockets (1F rather than P+). Isolated wind drifts had an HS of 40-80cm. Slab released underfoot on the first turn, and was easily managed by retreating to shallower snow.