Sawatch

Avalanche

Rich Rogers · Jan 10, 2019 · Sawatch

Weather

Felt warm to start the day, winds weren't really noticeable until 1045am just below ridge-line, sky cover increased throughout the day in front of approaching low pressure system.

Snowpack

Skinning up W aspect <TL, snowpack was unsupportive. Each step took effort to gain traction while climbing. When we started to feel the wind, the snowpack became much shallower and stiffer till snow was scoured from ground in most places. Leeward side of trees along W aspect held stiff deposits of snow. Snow became shallow enough that skins were no longer needed.

Avalanche

Remotely triggered from approx. 500ft away by a rumbling collapse while skinning South towards a structure along ridge-line. Arrived near structure and looked back to see the aftermath. 1.(closer in photos)NE, 11,700ft 75-90ft wide, approx. 250ft long, crown approx. 1-3 ft. R1-D1.5-O 2.NE, 11,700ft, 100-120ft wide, approx. 300-350ft long, crown approx. 1-4ft. R1-D1.5-O Rocky bed surface near ground in start zones of both paths.