Sawatch
AvalancheBo Torrey · Dec 17, 2020 · Sawatch
Weather
High thin clouds in the morning that gave way to overcast skies. Strong ridge top winds out of the west.
Snowpack
The east side of Independence pass received 4 to 6 inches of snow out of last weekends storm. Snow depths averaged 50-60cm on most slopes. Slopes low in drainages where the winds are not as strong, the weak snowpack does not have a cohesive slab above. Any slope facing northerly or easterly where the wind has drifted snow is where you're likely to find a cohesive slab over weak snow and trigger avalanches.
Avalanche
Likely a cornice fall triggered a wind slab that ran and stepped down into old snow triggering a Persistent Slab.