Sawatch

Avalanche

Becs Hodgetts ยท Jan 16, 2015

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Weather

Winds were variable primarily NW at 20-30mph and gusty (40's) throughout the day. We noted winds increasing near treeline at ~10am. Skies partly to mostly cloudy and temperatures in the 20's.

Snowpack

Below treeline, east slope surfaces held 1-5cm mfc's.On Northern slopes,average snowpack depth was approx 60cm's with no slab noted and facet crystals throughout. Foot and Ski Penetration to ground. Near treeline terrain alternated between 5-20cm of wind blown loose snow, and stiff supportive surface snow. Most ridges above treeline we blown clean, with only sheltered terrain features still holding snow. What little snow that was available for transport swirling around in variable gusty winds, we had an exfoliating day.

Avalanche

One small R2D1 Persistent Slab avalanche was observed on a near treeline east facing terrain feature. It was ~ 75ft wide, running 50' with an estimated crown depth of 6-12".