Sawatch

Avalanche

John Mackinnon ยท Jan 7, 2015

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Weather

Scattered clouds, mild temperatures and light westerly winds

Snowpack

I observed moist snow on BTL slopes still receiving sun after 4 pm. Crusts had started to form on many of the south, southwest and west aspects below 11,500 ft that had already gone into the shade. I did notice some surface hoar on lower angle and shady west and southwest aspects below treeline. Wind crusts near and above TL had small surface facets forming. Heard 2 rumbling collapses at 11,800 feet on a west aspect. Skiing near and above TL was mostly carvable wind board. BTL was mostly breakable crust by 415 pm.

Avalanche

Observed pinwheels and 1 small WL avalanche on a south aspect BTL.