Sawatch

Avalanche

Benjamin Ryan · Feb 25, 2019 · Sawatch

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Weather

- 30-45 mph winds at 13.5k - slightly overcast - high teens without wind chill

Snowpack

- soft slab that triggered a persistent layer

Avalanche

- approximately 36 degree slope angle (of slide) - direct west aspect - triggered at 12,200' - soft persistent slide that was triggered from recent new storm snow (4-6" new over 24 hours) - signs of propagating cracks (1-2' in length and 4" in depth) were observed but neglected due to exhaustion (attempting to hike back to standard winter trail). - 50' wide, 500' run-out, 2-18" crown - 2 hikers (one was myself) were caught in the slide. I slide about 250' and ended completely on-top of all snow (not buried). The other hiker slide 500' and was buried up to his waist (feet down head up) and required assistance to get dug out.