Sawatch

Avalanche

Bo Torrey · Jan 14, 2021 · Sawatch

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Weather

Strong winds redistributing snow.

Snowpack

The snowpack is a thinner and weaker near Fremont pass compared to further south in the Sawatch range. Snowpack averaged about 65cm on most slopes near and above treeline that we traveled on. The snowpack consists of mostly weak faceted snow with some wind effected firmer snow capping things off. Snow was supportable on open wind-prone slopes any sheltered area that the wind wasn't able to affect was unsupportable and very weak. Very noticeable while climbing and descending as you would instantly sink deep into the snow.

Avalanche

While descending a subtle ridge we stomped hard on a few small, obvious wind drifts. 1 out of 3 of them broke a very small hard slab 8" deep on small grain near surface facets.