Sawatch
AvalancheSteve Banks · Dec 21, 2020 · Sawatch
Weather
Sunny, warm, very light westerly winds
Snowpack
It sucks. Widespread new surface hoar growth, up to 6mm. Beaten back by the sun, but lingered on shady slopes. 2 X ECTPV both East facing 11,400’ but very separate locations. Both pits held thin wind slabs on the surface over newer snow, over old faceted snow. Near the ground there is depth hoar present, capped by a 2-4 cm crust with very weak facets above the crust. Both failed above the crust and while cutting the column. One Sudden Planer and one Sudden Collapse.
Avalanche
One D1 windslab release that looks like happened Sunday 12/20. Looked like skier triggered and escaped. Monarch Pass, 11,400’ East facing