Sawatch
AvalancheBecs Hodgetts · Jan 15, 2017 · Sawatch
Weather
Low cloud day, with warm temps made it feel like I was in NZL again. Although it felt warm and humid, the snow surface remained dry throughout the tour.
Snowpack
The unusually "I can stand on the snow surface without punching thorough ti the ground" conditions continue in this area near Independence Pass. Although this area is around 11400', it is sheltered by trees and topography and displays more below treeline characteristics.
Avalanche
With increased visibility, multiple avalanches were noted - the crowns and debris are now covered in inches of snow, indicating they were triggered during the 1/9-1/11 storm cycle. All but one began above treeline, on large slopes readily loaded by wind.