Sawatch

Avalanche

Jared Berman · Dec 29, 2022 · Sawatch

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Observation photo 1

Weather

Cold and windy Temps around 18F around noon at 11,000ft. Moderate winds from the southwest. Light snowfall throughout the day. Light blowing snow could be seen on mountain tops and ridgelines

Snowpack

Total height of snowpack averaged 120cm (47") in wind sheltered areas near treeline. Height of new snow averaged 17" in wind sheltered areas near treeline resting above a thin layer of surface hoar 4mm in size. This layer did fail during an ECT but did not propagate across the column (ECTN17). Further down in the mid-pack a thin (8cm) layer of 1 finger hardness rests above a concoction of facets and depth hoar. An extended column test did fail and propagate on this interface. (ECTP28).

Avalanche

Many loose dry running naturally on steep road cuts. A few soft slabs that broke within the new snow were also observed along the road banks. These were small in size and relatively harmless to people.