Sawatch

Avalanche

Monarch Ski Patrol Avy 1 · Jan 29, 2019 · Sawatch

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Weather

Temperatures were mild, (-9 Celsius), winds were light out of the south and partly cloudy. No new precipitation. East aspect, BTL.

Snowpack

Height of snow ranged from 140 cm to 160 cm in protected areas from the wind. New snow was unconsolidated (F hard) and ranged from 25- 33cm in protected areas. Observed a strong (1 F hard) mid-pack layer 60cm-70cm thick slab over unconsolidated faceted (F hard) layer to ground. Multiple compression tests failed at the hard level (CT22 and CT27), in the faceted layer 55cm- 30cm from ground, all sudden fracture character. Extended Column test failed at ECT27 sudden, up 40 cm from the ground. Tests conducted on a east aspect, below treeline, at approximately 11,200'.

Avalanche

No recent avalanches observed.