Sawatch
AvalancheScott Toepfer · May 4, 2014 · Sawatch
Weather
Pretty ferocious winds above treeline. Coming from many directions. Hard to stand on the summit. It was a warm wind though so easy to be exposed.
Snowpack
Even with no freeze Saturday night (Temps at area Wx sites did not drop below 32F) the old snow surface had a frozen crust. Below 10,000 feet the snowpack had developed drainage channels and was melting out quickly. Below 11,000 feet the top 3 to 4" of snow were getting close to slushy at 2-3 PM. Above treeline the snowpack had not thawed much as of 2 PM. Strong winds were keeping surface from getting wet, even though temps were were well above freezing.
Avalanche
Not much happening. Snow surface staying cool especially near and above treeline