Sawatch

Avalanche

Mike Wallace · Dec 3, 2019 · Sawatch

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Weather

Clear Skies, Winds NW 5-10, Temps 20-25.

Snowpack

Widespread Collapsing on open slopes near TL. Average snow depth around 60cm. Variable softer snow in upper snowpack except on open exposed slopes. Where wind slab was evident, it was pen to pen plus hard over a rotted out crust and faceted basal layer. Very Talkative spx! Loud whoomfing with "echoing" sound telling us it was collapsing in multiple areas and depths. Some areas were about 70' X 70', so large slabs collapsing, not localized small areas. The harder wind slab may be capable of supporting a bit of new snow before it will let go into the lower layers. See Profile

Avalanche

2X natural avalanches on East facing bowl of Buckeye Peak and adjacent peak to the north of Buckeye. Both slides near ridgeline - HS-N-R2-D2-I.