Sawatch
AvalancheJason Konigsberg · May 11, 2019 · Sawatch
Weather
Warm and calm below treeline. At ridgetop winds were moderate with some strong gusts drifting snow onto southerly slopes. Sky cover increased throughout the day from clear in the morning to many peaks obscured by 3 PM.
Snowpack
Cold and windy above treeline. Thick wind drifts were forming on southerly slopes near ridgetop. In sheltered areas and slopes lower down there was a thin but supportable crust from Friday's warm temperatures. Northerly slopes and high alpine areas out of the wind were cold and dry with about 8 inches of recent snow.
Avalanche
Intentionally-triggered Loose Wet avalanche that stepped down to a wet slab. East aspect, 11800 in Box Creek- Mt Elbert area. May 11, 2019