Sawatch

Avalanche

Rich Rogers · Dec 27, 2021 · Sawatch

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Weather

ATL- Windy, blowing snow, visibility would drop to 200' at times as clouds and snow blew by. NTL- More consistent wind speeds, reduced visibility due to blowing snow and cloud level. BTL- Gusty, swirling winds, blowing snow in open areas along Hwy 82. In more sheltered areas(ENE) light snow was falling almost straight down. Snow still lingering in trees on most aspects despite recent wind. At all elev., an uptick in snow fall @ ~14:40.

Snowpack

Two loud, but not rumbling, collapses NTL, NNW. 15-20' radial cracks during collapse. Small cracks. New snow was soft 4-6" but becoming wind effected. Recent snow more firm(xmas eve/xmas day storm. Below the xmas storm old snow had little resistance with an upside down ski pole.

Avalanche

Reported this same path running on 12/11/2021. NE aspects Brumley area, ~12,000ft. Did not run as far as it did on 12/11. With the amount of new snow and wind, I am assuming this path reloaded and ran again since 12/11/2021.