Sawatch

Avalanche

John Mackinnon ยท Jan 18, 2016

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Weather

BKN skies, seasonably mild temps and strong westerly winds that tapered after 3 pm. Observed consistent intense blowing snow near and above TL from the west from 1:30 pm to 3 p m.

Snowpack

Fresh shallow wind slabs forming in exposed areas below TL. Observed moderate cracking at 11,600 ft on a NE aspect.

Avalanche

Observed a size 2 slab avalanche in Martini Bowl--SE aspect near TL just south of Fremont Pass. Looked to be a wind slab that propagated across much of the start zone. Estimated crown depth 40 cm.