Sawatch
AvalancheTyler Erickson · Jan 10, 2022 · Sawatch
Weather
Clear skies, south-southwest aspect. Temperature 18 degrees, 11,400 ft. Time was 4:30pm. Little to no wind.
Snowpack
Ridge was very windblown leading to a large wind slab on top of recent storm loading. Weak layers immediately below wind crust, with generally stable snowpack to ground where existing depth hoar failed.
Avalanche
Remotely triggered from our intended and taken skin track, about 1/3 mile away from the ridgeline. Initiation was by our group safely distant from potential runout, and protected by another rising ridge between us and the slide. Broke to the ground with an 8-10 ft crown, 75 meters wide. From a distance, probably a R3, D2. Fading daylight prevented us from inspecting closer. 1/8 a storm blew in, decreased visibility and increased loading made conditions unsafe for closer inspection.