Sawatch

Avalanche

Casey Graham · Apr 2, 2023 · Sawatch

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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3

Weather

M to S, W and NW winds. M to I blowing snow loading E-S-W aspects ATL based on local topographic influences. Strong solar influence on BTL solar aspects and above freezing temps

Snowpack

Most surface snow NTL and ATL on most aspects is wind textured ranging from dapple to .3m sustrugi. S aspects had a robust 2cm MFcr BTL.

Avalanche

Multiple D2 slides observed on E, SE and NE aspects. 1 likely cornice fall that triggered a wind slab, 2 likely persistent slab avalanches (viewed from afar and likely 2-3 days old, though hard to tell with the winds reshaping the snow surface actively) likely running on the March 10/20 buried FC/Crust combo.