Sawatch

Avalanche

John Mackinnon · Jan 13, 2020 · Sawatch

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Weather

1300, NW aspect near TL Skies: SCT to BKN Winds: Moderate from W Blowing Snow: Light from W HS 97 cm HST: ~ 7 cm (area had seen some wind transport)

Snowpack

Found 7 cm of recent storm snow. Observed steady transport above TL from west winds with intermittent blowing snow near and below TL

Avalanche

Observed a recent rider triggered slide on an east aspect near treeline. SS-AU-R1-D1-O. It looked like a small slab popped on a hard right turn in a poorly supported area. We also observed a fairly recent avalanche in the unnamed basin just west of Chalk Creek. This path has slid at least 4 times this year. E aspect above TL. HS-N-R2-D2-O.