Sawatch

Avalanche

Jeff Welch ยท May 23, 2015

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Weather

At 0930 12400', broken skies, air -4C, surface -4C, -2C at 20cm down, light SW winds, approx 3in new snow. Skies trended to overcast, winds increased from WSW, temps remained cool above treeline.

Snowpack

Pit in upper snowpack, west aspect at 13500'. Three distinct layers separated by strong melt freeze crusts from mother's day, may 18, and overnight storms. Small (0.5mm) rounding facets above and below crusts. ECTN13 PC Q3 new snow, ECTN18 PC Q3 may 18 interface approx 8" down, ECTN28 PC Q2 on mother's day interface approx 18" down. PST 98/100 end on mother's day interface. No movement skiing 35-37* slopes.

Avalanche

Numerous R1D1 WL that ran prior in the week, probably on the May 18 interface. All aspects above TL.