Sawatch
AvalancheChris Martin · Feb 3, 2018 · Sawatch
Weather
Weather: Air Temp: - 4 c Sky: Scattered Precipitation: none Wind: Light (moderate gusts) Direction: NW – W Blowing snow: light Avalanche activity: none
Snowpack
Area: Monarch Pass Guides: Dave, Chris M Location: Monarch Pass, Snowstake Aspect: NE-SE Elevation: 9200-11,600 Avalanche: No new avalanches observed Snowpack: Pit: Location: Top of Gracie’s slide Elevation: 11,600 Aspect: SE 25 degrees HS: 69cm Multiple CT Mod RP & BRK all broke 15cm down on facet layer ECTN 21 Overall week structure. Layers ranged fist to 4F. Overall decomposing structure 3cm down had a 2cm melt freeze crust that was very reactive CT 5 RP, this could be a problematic layer if it gets buried. Pit: Location: Top of snowstake Elevation: 11,500 Aspect: NE 13 degrees HS: 97cm Same column: CT 17 SP 24 cm down small facets, then CT 27 SC 55 cm down on the 2-3 mm depth hoar layer interface. ECTP 25 SC 55cm down on the 2-3 mm depth hoar layer interface. Overall weak structure with an overlying slab structure that is 1F Persistent slab currently 15cm thick in the middle of the snowpack. No signs of instability throughout our tour. Overall skiing was variable. We need snow, lots of tracks up on the pass..
Avalanche
none