Sawatch
AvalancheJeff Ashby · Mar 26, 2020 · Sawatch
Weather
cloudy, high winds for several hours prior
Snowpack
This NE facing slope of this north facing ravine is typically wind loaded by westerly winds and naturally avalanches at least once in most years.
Avalanche
At sunrise on 03-26-20, a new, large natural avalanche was noted in the north facing ravine of Quail Mountain adjacent to Twin Lakes (south of leadville). Aspect of avalanche slope was northeast. Crown is estimated at 2-3 feet high, and some dark soil can be seen, suggesting that the avalanche may have slid from depth hoar just above the ground surface. A second avalanche can be seen in light trees adjacent to the first.