Sawatch

Avalanche

Becs Hodgetts · Mar 27, 2016 · Sawatch

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Weather

Clear and "calm" (by Monarch's standards anyway). Cold temps warmed up quickly when sun came over ridge. 17F when we left Ski Area.

Snowpack

West and East slopes below treeline held a melt-freeze crust (P) that varied from 5cm to 10cm thick. A subtle dust layer is present, however not as pronounced as east slopes near Independence Pass to the north. Below this crust a small facet layer was rective in CT tests, and collapsed in ECT, but did not propgate across whole column.

Avalanche

Noted R1D1 Loose dry avalanches above treeline on east slopes of Bald Mountain.