Sawatch

Avalanche

Roger Coit · Feb 11, 2018 · Sawatch

View on map

Weather

Obscured skies, snowing S2 early then tapering to S-1 through the day. Light winds of variable direction in valley --> Light to Mod winds out of SW on ridgeline. No Blowing snow noted nearby, ridgeline areas generally not visible.

Snowpack

North facing slopes, NTL show varied HS from 70-145cm. Near ridgeline @11,500' found upper pack slab layers some were pencil hard sitting above well developed facets up to 84cm from the ground. Basal DH was large 2-4mm with obvious chains. Instability tests show very reactive new (10cm)/old interface, facet/slab interface at 84cm up, and also within Basal Faceted layer 23cm up. BTL ,snwpx generally full thickness facets with boot pen to ground and trap-door skiing conditions.

Avalanche

We did not see any avalanches. We did not have any collapsing. We noticed some limited shooting cracks near ridgeline on N facing slopes at the new (10cm) / old snow interface.