Sawatch

Avalanche

Sean Smollen Sam Kinney · Apr 15, 2021 · Aspen

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Weather

At 12:00 on an exposed NE aspect at 12,050' air temp was -3.5 degrees celsius. Snow surface was -2.5 degrees. Winds were Light from the south, with moderate gusts. Light Blowing snow. Sky was overcast, with intermittent snowfall throughout tour (SN, S1 maximum).

Snowpack

Strong over weak structure still exists on Northerly aspects above treeline. Height of snow on a NE aspect ranged from 100-215cm, with a small (5cm) wind packed slab on the surface from the past 48 hours. Propagating results were observed on 2 different interfaces within basal facets (ECTP28@34cm, ECTP27@60cm, PST43/100@34cm on early December depth hoar). Moisture content on NE at 12,050' was dry throughout. BTL on a NE aspect surface was still frozen, 10cm down a thin (5cm) layer was wet. Surface did not soften in areas holding snow down to 10,450' at 2pm.

Avalanche

Old Wet Loose activity on an easterly aspect above treeline. Likely occurred 4/3-4/5.