Sawatch

Avalanche

Sean Smollen Jordan Bohme · Apr 1, 2022 · Sawatch

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Weather

Moderate winds at ridgeline around 10:00am with strong gusts from the NW. Temps below freezing ATL all day. New snow varied from 4"-6" and was actively being transported everywhere.

Snowpack

Isolated cracking underfoot observed on easterly aspects at all elevations. No obvious signs of propegation observed through tour, prior to avalanche. No formal snow pit dug during tour.

Avalanche

1st rider dropped and skied slope without any indication of instability. 2nd rider dropped, and while crossing 1st riders tracks a crack propagated left and right and triggered 2 avalanches simultaneously. Avalanches failed within new snow, transported today about 4" deep.